Bowling World Cup national finals unfolds today

The Bowling World Cup national finals kicks off today with the 80 men’s qualifiers led by former world titlist Biboy Rivera rolling 12 games starting at 10 a.m. at Coronado Lanes.

Tomorrow, the 52 women finalists headed by Liza del Rosario will see action as they play 10 games, also starting at 10 a.m., at Coronado lanes.

The 132 finalists will shoot for the top 34 spots in the men’s and ladies’ divisions to stay in the hunt for the event’s major prize—a trip to the international finals set in Wroclaw, Poland, on Nov. 1 to 9.

With their scores carried over, the top 34 men and top 34 ladies will roll another 12 and 10 games on Aug. 19 and 20, respectively, at Paeng’s Midtown center with the top eight performers, both in the men’s and ladies’ groups, advancing to the third day and last day at SM North EDSA.

The remaining eight men and eight lady contenders will bowl a round-robin format, with 30 points going to the winner and 15 each for a tie to determine the three who will figure in the stepladder finals.

All the big names in local bowling will vie for honors except for six-time world champ Paeng Nepomuceno, who is still in the United States due to a family commitment.

Nepomuceno is the only four-time World Cup winner so far in the world’s most prestigious tenpin competition.

Last year’s Filipino international finalists —Mades Arles and Benshir Layoso—also qualified for this year’s national finals.