World bowling champion Paeng takes over PH team

PAENG Nepomuceno, arguably the greatest international bowler of all time, is now the caretaker of the struggling national team.

The Philippine Bowling Congress (PBC) named the six-time world champion as head coach of the national squad in a serious bid to arrest the country’s alarming decline in the sport.

“He’s well-respected in bowling circles and has the credentials,” said Steve Robles, PBC executive vice president.

Aside from six world championships, Nepomuceno, 59, won the World Cup of Bowling four times and is the only Asian to earn the USBC (United States Bowling Congress) Gold Level Coach status.

The USBC gold status is the highest certification for coaches, with Nepomuceno one of only 25 coaches to hold such distinction.

“When we approached him, he told us that he’s been waiting for the chance to serve our country,” said Robles, who spearheaded the move to acquire Nepomuceno’s services, along with Philippine Olympic Committee secretary general Steve Hontiveros and PBC secretary general Alex Lim.

Hontiveros, a former president of the sport’s world-governing body, FIQ, is making a comeback as president of the PBC.

“We want results now and I think Paeng is the best person for the job,” said Hontiveros.