Rivera, Del Rosario target W Cup glory

BANKING on their skills and experience, former world FIQ titlist Biboy Rivera and veteran internationalist Liza del Rosario prevailed in the World Cup national championship anew last Thursday at SM North Edsa to earn a shot at the BWC international titles for the second straight year.

Rivera, now 41-years-old, subdued youthful ex-Asian Youth Masters king Kenneth Chua, 2-1 (235-179, 194, 199, 266-205) in the men’s division, while Del Rosario, 37, downed Alexis Sy, 2-1 (238-215, 187-213, 245-197) in the ladies’ competition.

Rivera and Del Rosario, who both finished fourth in the BWC international finals in Wroclaw, Poland, last year, vowed to bring home the bacon this time when they compete against other champions from more than 60 countries at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas, on Nov. 13 to 20, this year.

Rivera and Del Rosario, considered as one of Asia’s top lady pintopplers, advanced to the finals by knocking out their respective semifinal rivals.

“We’re so happy,” chorused Biboy and Liza after the concluding matches.  “We aim to win the international crown this time.  But we need the prayers and support of our countrymen.”