MELAKA, Malaysia — Four-time champion Paeng Nepomuceno averaged 206.94 pins after 16 games Tuesday to remain in contention for one of the 24 men’s quarterfinal spots in the 45th QubicaAMF World Cup at the modern, 52-lane bowling center here.

The 52-year-old lefty, considered one of the greatest performers in the sport, tallied 3311 pins to rank 22nd and stay 16 pins above the cut in the tough 87-man field.

“It’s always tough competing in the World Cup. The recent death of Pappy (Paeng’s father-coach) has made it doubly tougher for me to keep my rigid preparation although I feel I have an invisible coach who also serves as my inspiration,” said Nepomuceno.

But one thing good about his showing, Paeng noted, is the fact that he’s 12 ranks ahead of the United States’ former top pro bowler, Walter Ray Williams Jr., who managed only 3265 for an average of 204.06, 30 pins below the cut.

Korean Choi Yong-kyu came through with a blistering performance to pull away from the field with 3666 for an average of 229.13 pins per game.