Open bowl win gives Del Rosario chance for final PH team hurrah

Liza Del Rosario set the stage for her farewell tour of duty with the national bowling team after ruling the PBF Pagcor Philippine International Open on Monday.

A multiple-medal winner in numerous international meets, Del Rosario played with steely resolve in the deciding game of the best-of-three finals to post a narrow victory over comebacking Rachelle Leon.

“After serving the country the past 25 years, this will be my last year with the [national] team,” said the 40-year-old ace, who automatically clinched a spot in the PH squad bound for the Asian Games in Palembang three months from now.

The well-oiled lanes of the Coronado Bowling Center at Starmall in Mandaluyong played to Del Rosario’s liking to score a 258-194 win in the decider for her sixth PH Open title.

Sam Cooley of Australia joined Del Rosario in the winner’s podium after defeating Mike Chan of Hong Kong for the men’s title.

Cooley, a three-time Asian Bowling Federation Tour champion, swept Chan, the No. 1 seed in the finals, in their best-of-three series capped by a dominant 195-148 win in the second game.

“I have dedicated a lot of time and effort to this sport. I won’t be here forever. At my age, there are other commitments that I need to work on,” said Del Rosario, who plans to earn a masters degree in business administration upon retirement.

Leon, Del Rosario’s former teammate in the PH squad, had her chance but bungled a tight match in the first game where Del Rosario prevailed, 204-203, before storming back in the second game, 228-202, to force the decider.

Del Rosario earned P200,000.