Jr bowlers aim high after Asian stint

MANILA, Philippines - First timer Merwin Tan and National Junior bowler Enzo Hernandez aim for bigger achievements this year after a remarkable feat during their campaign in the 15th Asian Schools Bowling Championship recently at the Jaya Ancol Bowl in Jakarta.

Tan, who rolled also his first career perfect game during the team event, copped the bronze medals in the boys’ singles and in the all-events.  

Hernandez, on the other hand, finished fifth in the Masters finals capped with a perfect game on his 13th game. He also settled for fourth in the boys’ doubles together with teammate Ivan Malig.

“It was a very nice experience in my first year in a competition abroad like the Asian Schools and I think I need to practice more for the next competitions,” said the 14-year-old Tan of Marist High School in Marikina.

“Next time when I represent the country, I’ll do my best to win the gold.”

Tan finished third in the boys’ singles with 1494 pinfalls over six games with an average of 249 to place third behind gold medal winner Mustafa Al Mousawi of Kuwait (1575) and silver medal winner Japanese Nakano Katsuhito (1515).

Tan recorded 4373 in 18 games with 243 average in the All-Events to land third.

“I was disappointed after I lost my lead in the Masters but it’s over now and I need to move on,” said the 17-year-old Hernandez, Ateneo high school senior.

“I’m looking forward to represent the country in the Asian Games in Korea and Asian Championship but I need to qualify first.”

The Philippine Bowling Congress (PBC) is currently conducting eliminations to form a 16- member national pool for the Asian Games slated this September in Incheon Korea.

The other members of the team were Bea Hernandez, Angela Lazo, Jasha Jaron, Xyrra Cabusas, Alyssa dela Rosa, Anne Agu, Noelle Campos, Gwyneth Silva, Herber Alqueza, GJ Buyco, Mitch Espinosa, Joshua Autida and Dionisio Diokno.