Ong overtakes Rivera in RP Open men's singles

MANILA, Philippines - Frederick Ong waxed hot with a three-game series of 677 to surge past ex-world masters champion Biboy Rivera and bowling icon Paeng Nepomuceno for the men’s Class O singles lead in the 39th Philippine International Open Tenpin Bowling Championships at Paeng’s Midtown Bowl at the Robinson’s Place in Ermita last Wednesday.

The national pool player exploded with a 256 in the opening game then added a 194 and 227 for a 225.66 average as he posted a four-pin edge over erstwhile co-leaders Rivera and Nepomuceno, who both carded similar 673s.

Improving with each game, Rivera, winner of the masters gold medal in the 2006 men’s tenpin bowling tourney in Busan, South Korea, shot 204, 222 and 247 in succession for a 224.3 average in the event sponsored by UPHS Dalta and Jonelta Systems, Pagcor Sports, DOT, PSC, PCSO, Amway and Colgate Palmolive.

Not to be outdone, the 53-year-old Nepomuceno, a four-time World Cup champion, rolled 244, 184 and 245 to match the output of his 34-year-old rival.

Seasoned campaigner Liza Clutario led the ladies’ Class O singles after firing a three-game series of 270, 192 and 199 for a 661, 67 pins ahead of fellow national pool mainstay Lara Posadas, who carded 594 (193-210-191).

Veteran Liza del Rosario is in third with a 584 output on lines of 190, 160 and 234 in the event organized by the Philippine Bowling Congress and serving as part of the national team tryouts to the Guangzhou Asian Games in November.

In the men’s Class O all-events, Ong moved on top the provisional standings by scoring 1,479 on the strength of his combined outputs in the singles (668), doubles (368) and team (443).

Rivera was second with 1,476 (673-346-457) while Collins Jose took third after total output 1,452 (588-417-447).

Clutario surged in front in the ladies’ Class O all-events with her aggregate of 1,395 (661-345-389) while Lara Posadas was in No. 2 spot with 1,302 (594-377-331) and Del Rosario was third at 1,271 (584-329-358).

In the men’s Class A all-events, SLETBA’s Lito Santarinala was on top with a 1.296 aggregate, PTBA’s Jasper Soon (1,270) second and teammate Reagan Lim (1,265) third.

PBAP-Bowlmart’s Anne Ramirez (1,256) led the ladies’ Class A all-events with PBC secretary general Bong Coo, carrying the colors of MBA-Timberpro, (1,215) and MBA’s Carmen Talosig (1,190) in second and third, respectively.