News of her capturing the women’s World Cup of Bowling in Hermosillo, Mexico sent my memories back to mid-70s and early 80s when Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno was the toast of the sport.
I had written a good number of feature articles on Paeng before and after his heroic exploits as well as on the leadership of the Philippine Bowling Congress. Paeng was easy to talk to because he was articulate and open. Bowling was not being seriously taken during that era because no Filipino pin-buster has brought singular honor to the country. They even had a difficult time maintaining a prestigious hold in the SEA Games.
(By the way, Sen. Tito Sotto was a former WC campaigner having won the national title some decades back.)
Until Paeng emerged world titleholder in 1976 did bowling only got itself a big shot in the arm. Sports leaders suddenly had a change of heart.
Paeng towed Bong Coo and Lita dela Rosa to the world championship rostrum since then. The six-foot two Nepomuceno strung together four WC tiaras before retiring. Today, as the national bowling coach, I’m pretty sure Paeng feels vindicated for all the mentoring efforts he has put into the campaign.
Tabora’s sizzling triumph reflected the drought Philippine bowling was going through as it came in a span of 38 years after Coo and dela Rosa won back-to-back trophies in 1978 and 1979. In the men’s department, Christian Jan Suarez brought new hope when he clinched the crown in 2003.
Since then, bowling has been on a downgrade.
I think during the generation of Paeng, Bong and Lita in the 70s and onwards, the step-ladder format was in vogue. I do not remember when match play was adapted by World Cup organizers.
Tabora went through a gauntlet. She had to turn back 3-time PWBA (Professional Women’s Bowling Association) titlist Rocio Restrepo of Colombia (249-222) in the second semifinal match to arrange a showdown with Siti Rahman of Malaysia who eliminated defending champion Jenny Wegner of Sweden, 227-197.
If I remember correctly, the veteran Rahman even defeated in an invitational tournament our very own Paeng in a mixed competition several years ago.
Krizziah Lyn did not appear intimidated by Rahman’s excellent credentials who was the reigning PWBA champion. Her self-confidence pushing her will to win, the 26-year old Filipina ably held her own and very convincingly trounced her opponent, 236–191 to claim her first WC diadem.
Fifty four country champions flew to Mexico which has been hosting several WC tournaments in the past. The rigorous contest required Tabora and her fellow campaigners to roll out 24 games spread in four days with the top 24 females advancing to the next level for eight more games.
Then, the top eight after a tiring 32-game series go into a match play format. The 40-game totals, including bonus pins, determine who surges into the semifinals.
Sometimes it is boring to watch bowling because players go through the same routine over again. There are no acrobatic plays like in other spectator sports (basketball, football, boxing, wrestling, etc). One also gets to notice that the player who makes mistakes loses the match. So, the player always watches for errors his/her opponent commits.
The bowling coach, in this case matters in a very sensitive way. If a player is listening and heeds his/her coach’s advice, he/she could win a tight contest.
Tabora should stay in the limelight until the next decade or more. Bowling does not require one to do spartan regimen unlike other sports that have strenuous physical training and exercises.
To me, as Paeng impressed, bowling is more of a mind game. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Prov. 3:7-8. “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
