Chua, Del Rosario defend titles in PBF national tourney

MANILA, Philippines — Armed with a wealth of experience and multiple medals in the international scene, everybody will be looking to topple Kenneth Chua and Liza del Rosario in the ongoing Second Philippine Bowling Federation national championships.

Chua ruled the senior men’s division and Del Rosario topped the women’s side during the inaugural 2016 tournament as these national team aces face the daunting task of defending their titles at the AMF-Puyat Coronado Lanes at Starmall, Mandaluyong.

PBF president Steve Robles provided an inspirational talk to the more than 200 bowlers nationwide who signed up for the one-week meet where the top performers could earn a chance to compete for flag and country in the Southeast Asian Games next year.

“The country’s best bowlers are here, but we also expect to see new talents,’’ said Robles. “I can see a lot of potentials for the national team.’’

The PBF, the legitimate body for the sport recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee and World Bowling, officially represents the country in big tournaments overseas with bowling heroes Bong Coo and Paeng Nepomuceno running the affairs of the organization along with Robles and their top officials.

“Filipino bowlers have given us so much pride and honor in the international arena and we intend to continue the success by finding more great talents for the national team,’’ said Coo, who functions as PBF secretary general.

Robles said the participants will compete in eight categories, including the premier senior men’s and ladies division as well as the youth and masters categories.

Missing the tournament are Merwin Tan and Alexis Sy who are currently competing in the 54th QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup in Las Vegas, the same tournament where Krizziah Lyn Tabora won the ladies plum last year.