The Philippines recorded a major triumph in the tenpin bowling competition at the Asia-Pacific Masters Games in Perai, Penang, Malaysia.
On the bowling lanes of the Megamall Pinang Bowling Center, the Filipino bowlers won 21 golds, 12 silvers and seven bronze medals. A total medal haul of 40.
“We went with very humble expectations to bring in just one medal, of whatever color. So, to have raked in so many medals was really God-sent for us,” said PBC president Engr. Guillermo Mallillin. “For the first time ever, the Philippine delegation was composed of bowlers that represented Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao – that truly reflected the country’s diversity.”
The inaugural Asia-Pacific Masters Games was participated in by teams from 62 countries, with over 5,500 athletes competing in 22 different sports disciplines. The competition is also recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In bowling, the Philippines was up against all of the region’s powerhouses, including host Malaysia.
Here are the Philippines’ winners. Singles gold medalists were James Young (men’s 40+), Pio Mico (men’s 45+), Baby Diosana (women’s 50+), Raquel Hayes (women’s 55+), Emma Bañez (women’s 60+) and George Manozo (men’s 60+). For doubles, they were Francis De Leon and Bianzon (men’s 50+), Gerry Mallillin and George Mañozo (men’s 60+), James Young and Gerald Samuels (men’s 45+), Anne Marie Duya and Crystal Chavez (women’s 45+), Emma Bañez and Sol Bagalay (women’s 50+), Raquel Hayes and Baby Diosana (women’s 55+), Perla Pacheco and N. Zainudin (women’s 60+). In mixed doubles, the golds went to Crystal Chavez and James Young (35+), Francis De Leon and Baby Diosana (50+), Al Langkuno and H. Han (60+).
In the Masters events, the champions were Louie Bianzon (men’s 50+), George Mañozo (men’s 60+), Anne Marie Duya (women’s 50+), Raquel Hayes (women’s 55+) and Sol Bagalay (women’s 60+).
