PH Youth bowl squad in World title hunt

Rebuilding after years of disappointment, Philippine bowling found a budding hope after its youth men’s team made it to the medal round of the World Youth Championships in Detroit, Michigan, on Wednesday.

The Philippines’ team of four, made up of Ivan Malig, Kenzo Umali, Praise Gahol and Merwin Tan, will be going for no less than the gold as the semifinals and finals begin 9 a.m. Thursday (9 p.m. same day in Manila).

National coach Biboy Rivera said they are hoping to go all the way in the 21-under tournament where the best keglers in the world are competing.

“Even before we left (Manila) we knew we have a good chance,” said the former World Masters Champion via Facebook messenger.

In placing second after two blocks, the men’s team edged powerhouse squads the United States, Malaysia, Korea and Sweden.

The Filipinos totaled 5,147 pinfalls, behind only the 5,191 of Japan and ahead of Qatar (5146) and Finland (5146) which are running third and fourth, respectively, following a roll-off.

Tan and Umali are seeing action in the coming Asian Games, and their performance in the Worlds is expected to inspire the country’s campaign in the Jakarta Games.

The men’s team placed second after the first block, finishing with 2,587 with Japan taking the lead with 2,691.

They also came in sixth in the second block with 2,560 behind Mexico, Finland, Singapore, Qatar and Korea.

The Philippine women’s team of Bea Hernandez, Grace Gella, Daphne Custodio and Danielle Lazo placed 13th after two blocks and was out of contention.