Art Barrientos and Marc Custodio headline an elite cast of young bowlers when the 2024 U22 BowlPro PH Youth Challenge kicks off on Friday, May 31, at E-Lanes Bowling Center in San Juan City.

The 19-year-old Barrientos, who topped the Masters event of the Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championship last year, is going head-to-head against his teammates Custodio and Stephen Diwa -- who were his co-champions in the 21st Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships in Bangkok, Thailand – along with more than 50 other players in the three-day tilt.

The grand winner will earn an all-expense paid trip to the U22 7th Fukuoka Summer Cup in Japan.

Tournament chairperson Lara Posadas-Wong, who recently won the Philippine National Open, stressed that one of the tournament's missions is to give the aspiring bowlers a platform where they can develop their skills while also improving the level of their competitiveness.

“We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all youth bowlers of your association to participate in this event,” Posadas stated.

"Win or lose, they will not go home empty handed, as they take home new experience and memories that last a lifetime. "We are excited to discover new talent and start opening up opportunities for the future of Philippine bowling, starting with our youth"

“The Philippine edition of the U22 Youth Challenge aims to provide a local platform for our youth bowlers to raise their competitiveness through its unique and exciting classic format and attractive prizes,” she added.

It will be a singles format in the tournament where the players plunge into a two-day qualifying stage then the final round which is set on Sunday, June 2. Sanctioned by Philippine Bowling Federation (PBF), the contest is played under the rules and regulations of World Bowling (WB).