MANILA -- Filipino teen bowlers, Kenzo Umali, Merwin Tan, Praise Gahol, and Ivan Malig, scored a bronze medal in the 2018 World Bowling Youth Championship held in Detroit, Michigan in the US from July 24 to August 3.
“A bronze that glitters like gold. I’m very happy and satisfied with their performance,” said national junior bowling team coach Biboy Rivera, whose wards' performance is the first time the Philippines has won a medal in the event since Angelo Constantino won a singles gold in the 1992 edition in Venezuela.
Rivera, however, admitted that he never saw the bronze coming.
“They surpassed my expectations in terms of unity, playing bowling, and behavior. We never expected to win. Marami kasing malalakas (Many players were competitive) and this is an eye opener,” he said.
The coach also sees the finish as a huge boost, especially for Umali and Tan, who are part of the national team competing in the Asian Games bowling competition in Jakarta.
Meanwhile, Umali looks into the feat as a stepping stone for them to continue playing the game.
“It is something amazing that we achieved but it is not something that we should not let get into our heads. That is something that motivates us to continue playing the sports we love,” he said.
Joining Umali and Tan in the national men's team that will join the Asiad are Jomar Jumapao, Raul Miranda, Kenneth Chua, and Enzo Hernandez. (PNA)
