Merwin Tan captured two titles in the first METBA-Davao Kadayawan Bowling Open Championships recently at SM Lanang in Davao City.
Tan, 20, under the tutelage of world champion Biboy Rivera, won the Open Masters and Youth Masters’ titles of the tournament participated in by competitive bowlers around the country.
He outclassed Man Man Nierra of ACBI-Prima, 216-160, during their step-ladder showdown to win the Open Masters’ title.
Tan qualified for the step-ladder match after accumulating a leading 1621 total pinfalls.
Tan claimedthe Youth Masters’ crown by scoring 203 points against Norel Nuevo’s 197 in the step-ladder match. He made it to the step-ladder event after posting a leading 1627 total pinfalls in the elimination round.
“It was a blessing and I feel accomplished. I will train hard for the upcoming tournaments. Thank you to the Lord, PBF, PSC, POC, Team Prima, and Coaches for the suppport and guidance,” said Tan, who settled for bronze in the U-22 event of 5th Fukuoka Summer Cup bowling tourney last month.
The PH junior bowler is hoping to sustain his impressive performance at the last part of the year when he represents the country in the 30th Southeast Asian Games on Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 in Mandaluyong City after his successful performance in various overseas tournaments recently.
Tan is coming off winning gold medals in the 51st Singapore International Open last June and the 20th Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championship in Malaysia last May. He also copped the men’s open masters crown of the Philippine International Open in Mandaluyong City in May.
The Filipino bowlers are supported by PAGCOR.