CJ, Jojo stay on track in World Cup

TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS—The Philippines’ CJ Suarez and Jojo Canare stayed on track for spots in the top 24 by virtually maintaining their previous rankings as action heated up in the third day of the 2003 AMF Bowling World Cup at the Planeta Sipango bowling center here Tuesday.

Suarez kept his place in fifth with 3296 pins for a 219 average after 15 games with the 24-year-old Filipino virtually assured of a spot in the next round with five games left in the four-day elims now paced by Bill Hoffman of the United States.

Hoffman, the reigning US national amateur champion, fashioned out a five-pin set of 1200 pins to move past Belgium’s Chris Van Damme, 3476 pins to 3374. Hoffman, who has the tournament’s high game thus far (297) is now averaging 231.73.

"I’m going to win this thing," he said after taking the lead. "After a poor finish in the Lisbon World Cup in 2000 [he finished 11th], I feel I am getting a second chance that people from my country don’t often get. A US man hasn’t bowled in two World Cups since 1971 and 1972, when Roger Dalkin did it."

Defending men´s champion Mika Luoto of Finland is in 10th position with 3213 pins and a 214.2 average.

After a fine start at No. 4, Canare further slipped to 11th from No. 8 as she settled for 3050 for an average of 203 in women’s play.

Costa Rica’s Marie Ramirez maintained a slim one-pin lead after 15 games.

Shannon Pluhowsky, also of the US, began her push for a second consecutive title. Ramirez has 3370 pins for 15 games, and Pluhowsky 3369.

"I bowled in the Pan American Games and a friendship tournament earlier this year, and I’ve been practicing with my college bowling team, so I feel I’m tournament-ready right now," Pluhowsky said.

Honduran bowlers Gil Valle Suarez and Maria Elena Breve Ferrari are in 60th and 35th place, respectively. Suarez has 2,797 total pins and a 186.47 average, while Ferrari has 2,748 pins and a 183.2 average. Both the men and women’s fields will be cut to the top 24 following completion of play Wednesday night.