Merwin Tan cops another international title

Merwin Tan has learned not to crack under pressure, especially during intense situations.

Once again, the 19-year-old bowling ace displayed the calmness and the grit needed to overwhelm his chief rivals and bag another major tournament in his young career.

“I just enjoy every game and make sure that the pressure will not affect my performance,” said Tan after capturing the boys’ masters youth title of the 51st Singapore International Open over the weekend.

The Singapore Open trophy is the third international victory for Tan in a span of three months, having won the singles gold medal in the Asian Youth championships early this year and the men’s masters of the recent Philippine International Open (PIO) Tenpin Bowling Championships.

Tan rolled an eight-game series of 1687 to down Malaysian Megan Zaqrul Haiqal (1682) at Singapore Bowling Tamasek Club while Japanese Keita Tokushia placed third with 1657 pinfalls.

“I don’t want to put pressure on Merwin, but he was certainly favored to win the title because of his performances the past three months,” said men’s head coach Engelberto “Biboy” Rivera.

“Merwin has very good work ethic and has been trying to master his craft. He’s a good example to other youth bowlers,” added Rivera, a former world champion and Asian Games gold medalist.

Bea Hernandez, a female youth standout, nearly duplicated Tan’s feat but fell short by eight pins, settling for second place in the girls’ youth masters. Yuen Hui Shan Natalene of Singapore ruled their division with 1674 pinfalls while Hernandez scored 1667. Singaporean Tay Kai Lin Arianne finished third (1643).

Tan’s surprising win in the PIO assured the incoming BS Marketing freshman from College of St. Benilde a spot in the team to the 30th Southeast Asian Games on Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

“Nothing is certain [in the SEA Games]. I just have to stay focused,” said Tan.

He joined four-time male bowler of the year Kenneth Chua with sure seats in the men’s team while Liza Del Rosario and Lara Posadas-Wong are guaranteed of slots in the women’s squad for the SEAG.