Coming out of retirement, Rachelle Leon rolled a 1416 total to stay within striking distance of top women’s open qualifier and World Cup champion Krizziah Lyn Tabora Friday in the PBF Pagcor Philippine International Open.
From 15th overall the other day, the former national team mainstay leapt to second place ahead of veterans Liza Del Rosario (1407), Alexis Sy (1381), junior talent Bea Hernandez (1368), Dyan Coronacion (1354) and defending champion Lara Posadas (1353).
“I was inactive for nearly three years. It was difficult to get back, but I just couldn’t stay out of bowling,” said Leon.
Tabora, the country’s first female World Cup titleholder since Bong Coo in 1979, retained the lead in the women’s qualifiers after rolling a 1515.
The top 6 after Thursday’s qualifying round will advance to the finals.