Philippine Bowling Congress (PBC) president Steve Hontiveros said the 14-man team is much better prepared than the one which saw action in the 21st SEAG edition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Bowling was not played in the Vietnam meet two years ago.
"Except for Paeng, we have the best talent in the team. They are all focus to play since they will be playing right before their countrymen," said Hontiveros, also the president of the International Bowling Association (FIQ).
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) secretary-general added he is expecting explosive games from C.J. Suarez, Chester Kings, Tyronne Ongpauco, Johnnie Gatchalian, Biboy Rivera, Mark Ty and Bochok Rey in the men’s side which starts on Nov. 28 to Dec. 4 at the world-class Pearl Bowling Center in Parañaque City.
"They are all good. That’s why we can expect the best from them. But I don’t want to pressure the team. I just want them to play their best," said Hontiveros, also acting as secretary-general of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Philsoc).
Former World Cup runner up Liza del Rosario leads the distaff side along with Liza Clutario, Cecille Yap, Jojo Canare, Irene Florencio, Irene Garcia Benitez and Shenna Go.
Only Cambodia is not fielding a team in the 10gold tenpin bowling tournament.
Newcomer Timor Leste will be sending a three-man bowling team, although among the entries, long-time rivals Malaysia and Singapore are the ones expected to give the Filipinos a run for their money, according to Hontiveros.
"They have good bowlers and they have better exposures. They are also participating prominently in Asian and World tournaments," he pointed out.
The best showing so far by the RP bowling team came in the 1977 SEA Games, when it dominated the field by winning with seven of the eight golds at stake, the lone silver medal courtesy by former Senator and TV host Tito Sotto.
"That was our best record so far. But It’s impossible to do it now because other countries are also learning and even performing much more better in world tournaments," Hontiveros pointed out.
