8th March, Sitra, Bahrain: Kuwaiti national bowler, Yaqoub Al Shatti won his first-ever title after defeating Hussain Al Suwaidi of UAE, in a high-scoring 265-247 in the final match of the ABF Tour Bahrain 2015.

The champion brushed aside ABF Tour Qatar leg first runner-up, Khaled Al Dubyyan in the all-Kuwaiti first semi-final match to reach the finals while Hussain sailed past Tony Balabbo of the Philippines, 227-185 to face Yaqoub.

Hussain started the final match with a strike as Yaqoub only spared his opening frame. But the 49-year-old Kuwaiti was on a roll, knocking down eight consective strikes. Although the Emirati was able to reel in six strikes-in-a-row, the match was beyond Hussain's reach.

Yaqoub ended with 265 to win his first-ever tour title and picked up US$1,000 and the trophy as Hussain finished with 247 to settle for first runner-up position.

Yaqoub beat Wicky Yeung of Hong Kong, 205-186 to advance to the semi-finals. He also won his opening round match, 235-162 against Abdulla A. Karim of Bahrain.

Hussain also defeated another Hong Kong national bowler, Micahel Mak 223-219 in Round 2 to reach the semi and ousted Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia, 256-236 in the opening round.

Khaled posted the highest game of the leg when he defeated compatriot, Mohannad Ebrahim, 280-235 in his opening match.

Mr Abdulla Al-Dosery, President of Bahrain Bowling Association presented the trophy and cash prize to the champion.

Prizes of US$1,000 will be awarded to the men's champion and US$500 to the women champion where there is women division. The next stop will be the ABF Tour Kuwait 2015 which will be held on March 15 after the conclusion of the 12th Kuwait International Open from March 10 to 14. For further information and details, please contact ABF Tour Committee at Tel: +852 2893 6039, Fax: +852 2893 6290; Email: hktbc@netvigator.com.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Bahrain.