FOURTH PLACE AT BEST IN JAKARTA

Jakarta, Oct. 19, 1997 - Underrated bowler Jojo Canare snatched the gold yesterday, to lead the Philippine delegation's six-medal romp in the South East Asian Games.

But the Filipinos need more than six gold medals to topple Malaysia from third place in the country standings. Running total for the Philippines as of yesterday: 42 gold, 50 silvers and 97 bronzes. Malaysia had 45-62-71, Second placer Thailand got 76-89-66, and top notcher Indonesia is unbeatable with 172 golds, 82 silvers and 97 bronzes.

Archery produced a pair of golds after sweeping the team events; karateka Ryan Bonifacio bet fellow Filipino Enrique Lorenzo for the below-70 kgs. kumite crown; shooter Fernando Mercado topped the skeet competition; and the Blu Girls edged Indonesia in the softball finals.