MANILA, Philippines - Filipino billiards legend Efren "Bata" Reyes got off to a blazing start in the 2011 US Open 10-Ball championship at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Reyes, the top player of sportsman Aristeo "Putch" Puyat, defeated American Dennis Hatch in the second round after taking a bye in the opening round.
Reyes will be clashing against American bet Sal Butera in the next round.
His Puyat Sports stable mate, Alex "The Lion" Pagulayan, also scored back-to-back victories in the tournament.
Pagulayan, a former World 9-Ball champion, dismantled fellow Filipino Jose "Amang" Parica and Manuel Herrera of Mexico.
Pagulayan's next assignment will be against UK's Raj Hundal.
Sharing the limelight were double World champion Ralf Souquet of Germany, David Alcaide of Spain, Shane Van Boening, Corey Deuel and Charlie Williams of the US, Ernesto Dominguez of Mexico and Kenichi Uchigaki of Japan. - By Marlon Bernardino
Six-time world champion Paeng Nepomuceno (Philippines) whipped Jeff Carabeo in the best-of-three finals Sunday at the Playdium Center in Araneta Avenue to rule the fifth Henrich Cup Bowling Masters for his 122nd career victory.
Paeng Nepomuceno displays his trophy after the award ceremony. Flanking him are
Heinrich’s Vener Reasonda (right) and Sammy Say.
The lefty Nepomuceno, the only four-time winner of the prestigious World Cup, triumphed 236-167 and 256-220, in the finals after finishing second in the 10-game eliminations with 2386 on lines of 299, 224, 193-237, 235, 267, 269, 197, 228 and 237.
“It was a tough match all the way,” said Nepomuceno, who carried the colors of Nutrilite/Amway.
The legendary bowler took home the top prize of P100,000.
Nepomuceno subdued Jong Enriquez, 213-192, to earn a title shot at Carabeo, the top elimination finisher with 2397, after Enriquez had won the first match with 237 over Benshir Layoso (189) and Alex Ngoi Jr. (178).
Forty bowlers actually made it to the finals but only five advanced to the stepladder shootout.
Nepomuceno also represented the Philippine Bowling Congress while Carabeo played for the Bowling Association of Las Piñas.
Flashing his old deadly form, Paeng Nepomuceno ruled the 2011 Philippine International Open at Midtown Bowl last June 25. The win is Nepomuceno’s eighth Philippine Open crown and 123rd career title. The four-time World Cup winner beat last year’s World Cup first runner-up, Biboy Rivera to win the country’s most prestigious bowling tournament. In an exclusive interview, Paeng Nepomuceno reveals the secret to his unending success at the bowling lanes.
1. How do you feel about winning the 40th Philippine International Open?
I am happy with the victory because I did not get to prepare much for the tournament. I came from the States just days before the tournament. My son graduated in Hawaii so I had to be there. I did not get to practice. I was surprised myself with the victory. I know that I am now competing with guys half my age. And my main challenge now is to keep up with them.
2. Do you still get excited competing in local tournaments?
Oo naman, especially the Philippine Open. It is the our most prestigious tournament.
3. Are there international tournaments that you will be participating in before the year ends?
Yes, we are going to have our World Cup eliminations. I want to get a shot at the World Cup once again. Middle of July, I am planning to compete in the Hongkong Open. That’s from July 13-19, 2011.
4. The country has produced a lot of world-class bowlers. What do you think sets you apart?
Wala naman. I don’t know the regimen of others. But for me, I have an all-year long fitness program that complements my game. I go to the gym three times a week. I believe in strengthening my stamina because bowling requires stamina.So I do cycling and swimming. Siguro, masasabi ko na ako lang ang all-season long ang training sa katawan. I think my discipline explains my longevity. Bowling after all is a sport. You need to be fit. You need physical and mental stamina.
5. Most of the country’s most accomplished athletes have entered politics. Do you plan to enter politics as well?
I will not enter politics. It has never crossed my mind.
6. Do you have plans of retiring soon?
Not at the moment because I feel that I am still competitive. The moment I become uncompetitive and I lose the passion and enthusiasm to play, then that’s the time I will retire.
7. When not competing, what are you busy with?
Right now, I train coaches under the US Bowling Congress. I also train and discover young bowlers. I am likewise busy working to have bowling as an Olympic sport.
8. Do you see any young Filipino bowler following your footsteps and perhaps breaking your record?
We have a good youth development program in bowling pero we need support. I believe in overseas exposure to become a good bowler. I really don’t think much about the records that I have set. After all, records are meant to be broken.
9. What advice can you give to those young bowlers who dream of becoming like Paeng Nepomuceno?
First, dedication. You have to be totally dedicated and focused. Set goals for yourself. And follow your dreams. I still believe in the old saying that practice makes perfect. A lot of patience is needed because obstacles may appear as you chase your dreams. You really have to be determined. And you have to believe in yourself.
The 47th QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa this year, it has been announced.
The Northcliff Bowling Centre, which held the tournament in 1993, will play host to the event for the second at the end of this year. The state-of-the-art centre houses 24 lanes and all the latest QubicaAMF equipment.
Making the announcement, CEO and President said how excited he was to be bringing the tournament back to South Africa. Anne-Marie Board, QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup Manager also voiced her excitement: "I am so happy to be able to take the World Cup back to Johannesburg."
Gerard Paluzzi, of Let's Go Bowling South Africa, hosts of the tournament, was quoted as saying: "It is a wonderful oppurtunity and a privilege to be able to host bowling's most prestigious tournament." He added "this country has been one of the hottest properties on the world's tourist schedules and we invite one and all to avail themselves of the wonderful country and its people."