The PH women’s and men’s bowling team: (FROM L-R) Rachelle Leon, Uella Marcial, Mades Arles, Norel Nuevo, Patrick Nuqui, Merwin Tan, Ian Dychangco, Kenneth Chua. PH BOWLING PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The lack of experience and preparation didn’t keep the Philippine men’s and women’s bowling teams from winning medals at the International Bowling Federation (IBF) World Championships in Dubai.
Showing a promising future that could spark Philippine bowling’s resurgence, the country’s men’s and women’s squads both took home the bronze in the team events while facing some of the best bowlers in the world.
“It has been a long time since the Philippine Men and Ladies Teams have had a medal at the World Championships,” said national team coach Biboy Rivera, a former world masters champion.
“It is extra special to have won it at the same time. Bronze feels like Gold!”
The women’s side is composed of Rachel Leon, Mades, Arles and Norel Nuevo while Jerwin Tan, Kenneth Chua, Patrick Nuqui and Ian de Chanco represented the men’s.
The Philippines lost to Malaysia, 279-188, in the women’s team semifinal while the Filipinos fell to Singapore, 247-228, in the men’s team semis.