2 Pinoy veteran bowlers get to World Cup finals

Veterans Liza del Rosario and comebacking Paulo Valdez posted contrasting victories to bag the National Bowling World Cup titles, pocketing spots to the World Cup international finals to be held in Russia. In a statement, the Philippine Bowling Congress said that Del Rosario, one of the leading campaigners in the Asia Bowling Federation tour, defeated Jaymee Bautista 2-0 (243-158, 236-151) in the race-to-two finals of the tournament held at the SM Mall of Asia. Del Rosario defeated Nida Lagrisola and Ellen Ramos via identical 2-0 wins in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, to arrange the finals meeting with Bautista. However, it was Valdez who provided the excitement in the tournament as the 34-year-old bowler stopped giant-killer Benshir Layoso in the men's finals, 2-0 (195-181, 215-214). "Super saya siyempre," Valdez said after defeating Layoso in the see-saw match. Valdez was the Asian championships gold medalist in Singapore in 1984. He was considered as one of the best bowlers in the country until he took a sabbatical two years ago to treat his injured elbow. Valdez has been playing for only three months since his return to the local bowling scene and his entry to the World Cup international finals will certainly boost his morale. The World Cup International finals will be held on Nov. 3 to 11 at the 32-lane Continent Bowling Center in St. Petersburg. - GMANews.TV