13th January, Jakarta: Tour debutant, Chan Suk Han of Hong Kong and Thailand's veteran, Kritchawat Jampakao emerged as women's and men's ABF Tour Tournament of Champions in the finals which ended at Jaya Ancol Bowling Centre Sunday afternoon.

Indonesia's only contender, Shalima Zalsha started off well with a strike but had an open frame in the second as nerves clearly showed in the 17-year-old. The turning point to the match came when she had another two open frames in the fifth and sixth.

With her opponent struggling, Chan Suk Han seized the opportunity as she reeled off three strikes-in-a-row to put herself firmly in the driver's seat and looking set for a victory. Despite striking home in the final frame, the match was already decided with Chan winning comfortably, 218-168.

"I must admit that I was really nervous in the semifinals but I was able to settle down in the finals," said the 35-year-old Hong Kong national bowler. "This is my first major win and I dedicate this victory to the opportunity given to me by the Hong Kong Tenpin Bowling Congress.

The champion reached the finals after narrowly beating Indonesia's Happy Soediyono in the second semifinal match, 187-177. Chan also outclassed Thailand's Angkana Netvriseth, 224-154 in quarterfinals to reach the semifinals.

The runner-up, Shalima Zalsha knocked out top-seed, Liza Clutario of the Philippines in the quarterfinals and Malaysia's Tang Joh Six, 209-206 in the semi before going down to Chan in the finals.

Spinners had a field day as Kritchawat Jampakao claimed the men's title by easily defeating Surasak Manuwong, 203-174 in the all-Thai finals. The ex-international made sure he made no mistakes when matched against a younger opponent.

Surasak had a good start with a strike and then a double in the third and fourth frames to take a slight lead over his fellow compatriot in the finals. But three costly open frames proved decisive as Kritchawat came home with a clean game to claim a well deserved victory.

"I have not been very active in last year's tournaments and I'm lucky to reach the finals and to win," said the delighted 42-year-old Kritchawat. "I hope to travel more this year and compete in the Asian circuit.

The topseed reached the finals beating another Thai, Somjed Kusonpithak, 225-179 in the semifinals and Korea's Oh Young Ki, 226-205 in the quarterfinals earlier. Surasak beat another Korean, Lee Young Jun, 186-168 in the semi and favourite, Jason Belmonte of Australia, 218-168 in the quarterfinals.

Kritchawat Jampakao took home a whopping US$20,000 for the victory while Chan Suk Han won US$10,000 for her effort. Surasak and Shalima settled for US$8,000 and US$5,000 respectively for finishing second.

The finals today saw yet another stella year for Asian Bowling Federation in which six legs were held which began in April in Kuwait and ending with the last leg in September in Hong Kong. The top 16 men and top 16 women made the TOC via ranking points earned from all the legs contested.

The finals was also telecast LIVE locally over Metro TV. Highlights of the finals will also be televised later on local television stations of the six countries where the tour were held.

For further information and details, please contact ABF Tour Committee at Tel: +852 2893 6039, Fax: +852 2893 6290; Email: hktbc@netvigator.com.