Phl bowler advances in World Cup

KRASNOYARSK, Russia – The Philippines’ Mades (Maria Lourdes) Arles boosted her chances in the 49th QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup by advancing to the quarterfinals of the women’s competition at the bowling center here.

After playing another eight games, Arles raised her total to 7392 pinfalls to land fourth out of eight spots in the prestigious individual tournament.

However, the other Philippine entry, Benshir Layoso, fell out of the running in the men’s division by finishing only 17th among the remaining 24 qualifiers with 7390.

Canada’s Caroline Lagrange led the women’s quarterfinalists with 7809, followed by Dominican Republic’s Aumi Guerra (7689), the United States’ Danielle McEwan (7571), Arles, Singapore’s Cherie Tan (7373), Finland’s Roosa Lunden (7326), Aruba’s Thashaina Seraus (7227) and Romania’s Luminita Farkas Bucin (7134).

The remaining contenders will bowl another eight games to determine the top three who will figure in the semifinal and final matches.

Sweden’s Peter Hellstrom led the top eight finishers in the men’s division with 7787 pinfalls after 32 games.

Israel’s Or Aviram moved up to second with 7742, dislodging Belgium’s Mats Maggi who slipped to third at 7708.

South Africa’s Guy Caminsky checked in fourth at 7675, followed by American John Szczerbinski (7661), Germany’s Bodo Konieczny (7268), Mexico’s Humberto Vasquez (7616) and Russia’s Alexei Parshukov (7612).

The tournament is scheduled to end today.

Only six-time world champion Paeng Nepomuceno of the Philippines has so far won four World Cup titles.