FILE– Filipino bowler Merwin Tan. PHILIPPINE BOWLING FEDERATION PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Philippine bowling finally regained glory in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam on Monday.
Merwin Tan struck gold in men’s singles event, ending the Philippines’ 11-year drought for a gold medal in the biennial meet.
The last time the Philippines won was back in Jakarta 2011 courtesy of Frederick Ong in the same event.
Tan topped the competition with a score of 1292, edging Yannaphon Larpapharat of Thailand, who scored 1286 for the silver. Ryan Leonard Lalisang of Indonesia finished third with 1221.
Meanwhile, Alexis Sy claimed the silver medal in the women’s singles competition.
Sy finished with a score of 1320, behind gold medalist Cherie Tan Shi Hua of Singapore who accumulated 1442.
The country’s bowling team will also compete in the doubles and team of four events in the coming days for a chance to add to the gold and silver medals.