Tan scores back-to-back high games to end 11-year gold medal drought at 31st SEAG

By Brian Yalung

Decorated Filipino Kegler Merwin Tan rolled back-to-back high games in the Mens’ Singles event of bowling in the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Monday, May 16, in Hanoi Vietnam to end an 11-year gold medal drought for the Philippines.

Tan rolled a six-game series and finished with 1,292 to bag the gold in the event. Yannaphon Larpapharat of Thailand was not far behind, rolling a total series of 1,286 to settle for the silver.

Ryan Leonard Lalisang of Indonesia bagged the bronze medal with a total series of 1,221.

“Sobrang saya po ng feeling,” Tan said in an exclusive interview with PTV DMIS.

Tan started with a high score of 239 but fell behind Larpapharat in the second to fourth games with scores of 200, 192, and 178 respectively.

Regardless, Tan remained within striking distance after four games. 

Come the fifth game of the series, the Thai bowler rolled a 157, allowing Tan to inch closer after rolling a 234. 

The former Asian Youth champion followed up that high game with a 249 in the sixth with Larpapharat finishing the sixth game with a 191.

When asked, Tan humbly said that he was just in the zone at that point and focused on execution.

“Nasa zone na po,” Tan said. “Focus po ako sa execution kanina then bahala na po,” he added.

Philippine national team coach for bowling, Biboy Rivera, was elated with Tan’s victory and vowed they will continue to develop future champions with the help of the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.

“We, the coaching staff and the officers of the PBF are very happy to end our gold medal drought in the SEAG. All the hardwork finally paid off. We will continue to develop future champions with the help of POC and PSC,” Rivera said.

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