9th September, Kuala Lumpur: Steve Hontiveros of the Philippines Tuesday was elected president of the Federation International des Quilleurs without opposition during the FIQ Congress at the Sunway Lagoon Resort in Kuala Lumpur. Hontiveros, 59, was nominated from floor and elected by acclamation after several other would-be candidates withered from lack of support.

Hontiveros is first vice-president of the Philippine Olympic Committee. He arrived in Malaysia fresh from a meeting of the IOC in Greece, site of the next Olympic Games.

Hontiveros has held numerous positions with the Philippine Bowling Congress; currently President. A self-confessed “average bowler”, he first became addicted to the game when he was an auditor for the 1979 FIQ World Championships in Manila.

America’s Kevin Dornberger, who chaired the Congress, was elected first vice president. Jean Fulcrand of France is second vice president.

Retiring FIQ president Jerry Koenig of Colorado Springs did not attend the Congress, pleading important business in Washington, D.C. The association’s executive director Patsy Dew was also absent.

The FIQ was been bowling’s worldwide governing body for a half century. Bowling federations from Slovakia, Monaco and Bulgaria were added to the roster Tuesday to bring the total nation count to 128.

An effort to drastically reduce FIQ’s influence and size was defeated. A leadership-sponsored plan to convert the organization to a mere committee found little support.

Also defeated was an effort to eliminate the age restriction on the FIQ presidency. Under the present rule, persons over 70 may not serve in the association’s top office. This provision could block the presidential bid of America’s Joyce Deitch, 72, in Wednesday’s World Tenpin Bowling Association election.

For further information, please contact Media Director, Keith Hale at KEITHHALE679@aol.com , media@mtbc.org.my or via the World Championships Media Room Phone +60 3 7492 0901.