Pinning our hopes on the next Bowling World Cup champ

National bowlers Benshir Layoso and Mades Arles bested their respective rivals at last week’s 2013 Bowling World Cup at the Mall of Asia Bowling Center, earning the right to represent our country in this year’s World Cup to be held at the Sibiryak Bowling Center in Krasnoyarsk, Russia on November 15-24.

Layoso, a dental cosmetics agent, has competed internationally on many occasions while this will be the baptism of fire for Arles, a high school teacher by day.

It is important to note that most of our national bowlers aren’t “full-time” athletes, yet when ranged against the world’s best, they are able to not just hold their own, but shine and impress the international crowd as well.

It took Layoso seven tries before finally fulfilling his dream of competing in the World Cup, as he defeated national teammate Raoul Miranda 2-0 in the finals.

The 25-year-old Arles created quite a stir when she won over elimination round leader and  last year’s Philippine representative Krizziah Tabora 2-1.

The road was tough for Layoso and Arles, as they had to go through two days of grueling competition in the national finals stage, where they bowled 12 games each day.

They were up against the best of the best in the local scene with the likes of Liza del Rosario, Paeng Nepomuceno, Lara Posadas, Rachelle Leon, Nicco Olaivar, Sammy Sy, J. Em Ang, Jeff Carabeo, Jaymee Calderon, Abbie Gan, Jeremy Posadas, and Myrna Bautista.

“I’m so happy! I finally won what other bowlers dream about,” said Layoso immediately after winning.

Arles, on the other hand, already had her thoughts on the World Cup. “It’s a rare chance to play in the company of other national champions, so I have to train hard,” she exclaimed.

We wish both of you the best and we hope the Philippines would have another world champion soon!