New bowling ace trains sights on Asiad, world title

MANILA, Philippines - Southeast Asian Games lone bowling gold medalist Frederick Ong of Team Prima Philippines is ready to face bigger challenges in years to come like competing for a world title or for the first ever Asian Games gold medal in 2014.

After his successful stint in the last SEAG in Indonesia, Ong said he would train hard and stay inspired to reach his goal, which is to win gold medals for the country just like Prima teammate Biboy Rivera, a 2006 gold medal winner in the world championship and 2010 Asian Games. 

 “There’s no other way to do but to excel higher than the Southeast Asian level,” said Ong, who expressed his gratitude to Team Prima benefactor Alex Lim for supporting the bowlers throughout the years. “I didn’t expect to win the gold though. We just kept our focus.”

The Guangzhou Asian Games bronze medalist Ong had recorded a leading 1386 score to snare the gold in the men’s singles in Jakarta.

“I’ll resume my training and join competitions to hone my skills,” he said.

He also pocketed a silver medal in the men’s masters event (5190).

Rivera, who earned a silver each in the men’s doubles together with Ong and in the team event, said Ong could realize his dream since he is a serious, hard working athlete.

“We are all happy to contribute in Philippines’ campaign,” said Rivera, the 2006 world champion, who also snared a bronze in the trios event along with Ong and Raoul Miranda.

Besides Ong, Rivera and Miranda, the other members of the Philippine bowling team are men’s singles and team silver medalists Jeremy Posadas, Jong Enriquez and Carlo Mansilungan.