by Brian Yalung
Krizziah Tabora’s recent triumph in the 53rd Quibica AMF Bowling World Cup bodes well for the country’s ambitious bid to rekindle its lost glory in the sport.
Up against world-class bowlers, Tabora admitted she was feeling uneasy, knowing full well that the task of winning the coveted championship borders to almost impossible.
“Before mag-start, nag-pray po ako na sana alisin ni God yung kaba ko or kahit bawasan man lang niya. Then Iniisip ko lang po frame by frame and good shots lang. Kinakausap ko po si Jomar (Jumapao) para rin po ma-distract ako and mabawasan yung kaba. Then kapag titira na po ako, iniisip ko lang na “good shot lang,” Tabora recalled in an exclusive interview.
Her strategy did wonder as she blasted Malaysian Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman, 236 -191, in the one-game final to end the country’s 14-year wait.
For her, becoming champion was farthest from her mind. All she wanted was to compete and represent the country.
“No. Talagang ine-enjoy ko lang po mag compete and i-represent yung Philippines,” said Tabora.
Until now, Krizziah admits that she is still having a hard time believing that she is a world champion. Tabora adds that reality may finally sink in once she steps back on Philippine soil. She was due to arrive last night.
“Sobrang laking achievement po ito for me! At hanggang ngayon po hindi ko pa po na-a-absorb na world champion po ako. Maybe when I get home. Ang masasabi ko lang po, I will do my very best sa lahat ng sasalihan ko pong tournaments,” said an elated Tabora.
Equally happy with Tabora’s triumph is PH national bowling coach Paeng Nepumoceno, the event’s winningest competitor with four titles (1976, 1980, 1992 and 1996).
“Siyempre we are happy that Krizziah Tabora won the 2017 Bowling World Cup. We have a new world champion. Masayang masaya kami. Sumisikat ulit bowling,” said Nepomuceno.
“That’s why when I accepted the head coaching job of the Philippine team, my main goal/ objective was to bring back the glory days of bowling. We are slowly getting there,” said the 60-year-old bowling icon.
Next up for Tabora and other Filipino bets is the World Championships in Las Vegas which starts on Nov. 24 in Las Vegas.
Tabora approaches that upcoming meet in pretty much the same way: “Same goal pa rin po, just enjoy representing the country and playing the game. Laban lang!”
Tabora will be joined by Liza Del Rosario, Liza Clutario, Bea Hernandez, Lara Posadas and Alexis Sy.
Other hopefuls are Kenneth Chua, Kevin Cu, Jomar Jumapao, JP Macatula, Raoul Miranda and Merwin Tan.
