Paeng hails new bowl hero

Four-time World Cup bowling champion Paeng Nepomuceno yesterday congratulated newly-crowned champion Christian Jan (CJ) Suarez for his stunning feat in the recent World Cup even as he expressed confidence for the new bowling hero to rake in more honors for the country in the future.

"I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to CJ on his victory in the 2003 Bowling World Cup Championships. I am pleased and proud for him," said Nepomuceno, widely regarded as the greatest international bowler in the history of the sport, in a faxed message to The STAR.

Nepomuceno, whose unrivalled feats also landed him on the Guinness Book of World Records, likewise lauded Jojo Canare who made a creditable finish in fourth place, enabling both her and CJ to bring home the overall Country Championship, another honor for the Philippines.

The 24-year-old Suarez and Canare will be accorded a hero’s welcome when they arrive at 6 this morning aboard a Philippine Airlines flight via San Francisco at the Centennial Terminal of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

They will be met by top sports officials headed by Steve Hontiveros, president of the International Bowling Federation (FIQ), and members of their families.

Also in the entourage is Suarez father, Teody, who acted as his personal coach in the Honduras joust.

An early morning motorcade will be held upon their arrival, bringing the two bowlers from the airport to the Bowling Inn on Taft Ave., the venue for the RP qualifier for the World Cup.

CJ will also be given the key to the City of Makati by Mayor Jejomar Binay in simple rites at the Peninsula Hotel, according to bowling officials.

Suarez, who swept Dutch champion Marcel van den Bosch in the final in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, said he was totally surprised by his exploits during the week-long event and was very happy to have delivered country’s first World Cup crown since Nepomuceno did it last in 1996.

"CJ is young, he’s dedicated, and he’s determined. I see a long great future in bowling ahead of him. Most importantly, CJ’s victory makes me proud to be Filipino, Mabuhay ka, CJ! Mabuhay tayong lahat!" added Nepomuceno.

The former world champ, who is currently in the United States with Pinky, also extended his congratulations to Suarez’s parents, who like his own parents, started CJ off into the sport of bowling, supported him and instilled in him the determination to excel.

Nepomuceno also commended Jose Puyat, chairman of Puyat Sports, for his unwavering support to the Bowling World Cup since 1967.

Suarez’ feat made him the fourth Filipino to win in the event, the first three being Lita dela Rosa (1978), Bong Coo (1979) and Nepomuceno, who won it in 1976, 1980, 1992 and 1996.