Miranda repels US rival, gains Masters plum

MANILA, Philippines – Raoul Miranda pounced on American Tim Mack’s blunder to post his biggest career win, while Malaysia’s Fatin Syazliana upset local favorite and top seed Liza del Rosario for her first international title as they copped the Open Masters crowns at the close of the 38th Philippine International Open Tenpin Bowling Championships at Paeng’s Midtown Bowl at the Robinsons Place in Malate, Manila Sunday night.

Miranda watched Mack choke on his last frame in the first game and snatched a 188-187 victory to force a rubber match. The Filipino bet then flashed fine form to demolish Mack in the second game, 226-188, to clinch the crown worth P250,000. 

It was a sorry loss for 39-year-old Mack, who gained a twice-to-beat edge over Miranda for topping the elims. He needed just nine pins in the 10th frame of the first game to wrap up the title but struggled with only seven, enabling Miranda to force a sudden death.

Mack settled for runner-up honors and P100,000 in the event sponsored by the University of Perpetual Help System, Department of Tourism, Amway Philippines and the Philippine Sports Commission, Chowking, Colgate-Palmolive, The City Bowling Shop, USAct, Pearl Garden Hotel, Nestle Philippines, Paeng’s Midtown Bowl, Goldbridge Dental Services and Pan Pacific Manila, the tournament’s official hotel.