Rough lane for bowling comeback, says ex-champ

Philippine bowling, in dire straits the past months, is hoping against hope to return to action. It won’t be that easy if you ask former world masters champion Biboy Rivera.

Now a national team coach and member of the board of trustees of the Philippine Bowling Federation (PBF), Rivera offered a pragmatic view for the sport in the time of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Hopefully we can get back,” he told the Inquirer. “But bowling is an expensive sport and it will not be a priority during these times.”

The interagency task force (IATF) has already approved the comeback of sports like recreational running, badminton, tennis and golf.

The PBF released guidelines that it hoped would convince the government to allow bowling back. Based on the Italian Bowling Federation’s recommendation, it gave premium on social distancing.

Included in the PBF guidelines are seating arrangement for players and their counterclockwise rotation after each and every shot. First frame will be on the right lane, and second frame on the left to maintain safe distance.

Players are also told to have their own paraphernalia aside from having their own set of balls. They are also advised to have alcohol, wet wipes and fan, among other things. And wiping the ball with alcohol is allowed.

“We have forwarded this to the Philippine Sports Commission, [which will, in turn, recommend it to the IATF],” Rivera said. “We are still waiting for the approval.”