4th October, Anyang, Korea: Topseeds, Park Jong Woo and Lee Na Young added two more gold medals for host nation, Korea at the concluding 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 with victory in the Men's and Women's Masters.

Park, who was seventh from yesterday's first block and advanced to the stepladder finals from today's second block as topseed, defeated second-seed, Wu Siu Hong of Hong Kong, 407-401 to claim his third gold medal at the games.

The Korean started the first match with a double while Wu opened in the first. Park could not pull away in his next four frames until the sixth and seventh frames where he doubled again as his opponent continued to struggle.

Another double gave the first match to Park, 225-182 and a 43 pins margin. In the second match, it was Wu who doubled in his first two frames as it was Park's turn, who stuggled to find any connecting strikes.

Although Wu had another double in the seventh and eighth frames, his 214 game only gave him a 401 total against Park's 407 and had to settle for the silver.

Wu had tied with third-seed, Shaker Al Hassan of UAE at 183 in the first match forcing a 9 and 10 frame roll-off to break the tie. Wu downed 35 while Shaker had a split in the tenth frame to take home the bronze medal with 27.

Undoubtedly the star of this year's games is Lee Na Young of Korea. Lee, who had already won three gold medals, captured her fourth after she defeated third-seed and challenger, Wang Ya Ting of Chinese Taipei.

Lee, who had an early split in third frame, made a late charge by striking out from frame 8 to take the first match 223-202 and building a 21 pin cushion. The topseed got off to a cracking start in the second match with five strikes-in-a-row.

The Taiwanese responded with three of her own but still trailed the Korean by 32 pins. Lee went on to seal victory with 254 and a total of 477 as Wang put up a good fight for a 235 match and 437 total.

The first stepladder match between second-seed, Son Yun Hee of Korea and Wang was a much tighter match. Son's only open frame from a split in the ninth frame cost the Korean while Wang, who had an early double, made no further mistake to take the match, 193-190 to advance to the championship match.

Korea emerged as overall champion with a medal haul of 7 gold, 1 silver and 6 bronze medals. Japan had 2 gold from the Men's Doubles and Trios. Singapore won the Women's Team gold while Thailand and Chinese Taipei were the other countries to win the remaining two gold medals.

103 men and 74 women from 19 countries took part in the bowling competition of this year's games. The next Asian Games will be hosted by Indonesia in 2018.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

2nd October, Anyang, Korea: Team and All Events gold medalist, Park Jong Woo of Korea advanced to the Men's Masters stepladder finals of the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 as topseed after a thrilling second block on Thursday.

Wu, who topped yesterday's first block finals, lost his opening match of the second block to hand the lead to two gold medalist, Park who won his first match with 247 as two Emiratis, Shaker Al Hassan, Hussain Al Suwaidi and Wu's team-mate, Michael Mak shared second spot.

Mak chalked up with another win in the second match with 237 after his win in the first with 256 to take over the running while the Korean slipped down to second , just 1 pin adrift.

But Park bounced back with a 211 win in the third to regain the lead. Shaker followed a close second while Mak slipped to third. Despite losing the fourth match with 221, the Korean went on to win his next three matches to stretch his lead to 44 pins going into the position round match.

Wu finished second for a final match against Park while Shaker took third spot for a match against his compatriot, Hussain, who was fourth. Singles gold medalist, Yannaphon Larpapharat and Singles bronze medalist, Du Jianchao faced each other in the final match.

Park lost the match 202-210 but because he had a 44 pin lead, he retained pole to advance as topseed with 3491. Hussain lost to Shaker 201-202 to give third position to Shaker but crucially and 10 pin bonus to securing UAE's first medal with 3410 after qualifying for the stepladder finals as third seed.

Du beat the Thai 228-194 to add 10 pins bonus but was missed the cut for the stepladder finals by just 1 pin on 3401. Mak rounded out the top 5 3380 after beating Indonesia's Ryan Lalisang in the position round.

Shaker will face Wu in the opening match of the stepladder finals for the men. The winner will meet topseed, Park over a two-game total pins to determine the champion.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

2nd October, Anyang, Korea: Korean women remained unbeatable in the Women's Masters finals second block of the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 as Lee Na Young and Son Yun Hee advanced to the stepladder finals first and second while Chinese Taipei's Wang Ya Ting finished third.

Two gold medalist and overnight leader, Son Yun Hee continued to lead the her team-mate and triple gold medalist, Lee Na Young after winning her opening match with 238 to extend her lead from 14 to 27 pins.

Lee won her first match too but on a lower score of 225 while two silver medalist, Sin Li Jane of Malaysia also won her first match with 228. But a troubled second match of 152 cost the Korean the lead when Lee won again in her second match to take over the running.

The Malaysian also suffered a poor match of 153 to slip down to fifth as Taiwanese spinner, Wang and team bronze medalist, Sharon Limansantoto of Indonesia moved up to third and fourth respectively.

Lee won another four more matches but lost the lead to Son after the seventh match, albeut only 6 pins behind to go into the position round match to decide who the topseed would be. Lee beat Son 214-193 and added 10 pins bonus to finish as topseed with 3474.

Son settled for second spot with 3449 from six wins. Although Wang lost to Limansantoso 204-212 in the last match, the Taiwanese had 75 pins cushion which proved sufficient for her to make the cut in third with 3378.

The Indonesian missed the cut by 47 pins to end in fourth position with 3321 while Chan Shuk Han of Hong Kong rounded out the top 5 with 3317 from four wins in today's second block.

Sin Li Jane never got into her winning strides to end in a disappointing tenth while Team gold medalist, Jazreel Tan and Cherie Tan had too much a difference in the first block to make an impact.

Wang would face Son in the first stepladder match scheduled to start at 1430 hours, one hour ahead of the original schedule time due to TV requirements. The winner of the first match will meet the topseed over a two-game total pins to decide the champion.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

3rd October, Anyang, Korea: Two gold medalist, Son Yun Hee and triple gold medalist, Le Na Young of Korea looked set to capture the final gold medal of the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 after finishing one-two in the first block Masters finals.

Son led from start to finish winning four of the eight Round-robin matches contest to end the first block in pole position with 1711. The lead got off to a good start beating team-mate, Lee Na Young 236-213 and a 10-pin bonus.

Two silver medalist, Sin Li Jane of Malaysia also started well beating Shalin Zulkifli 221-174 for her first win. Whilst Son's lead was never threatened, Li Jane and Lee fought out second spot most of the way.

Lee eventually ended stronger to trailed her compatriot by 14 pins with 1697 winning five matches while the Malaysian settled for third spot with 1672 and four wins.

China's Yang Suling, who was second after the sixth match, slipped down to fourth with 1667 after a poor end to the block. Team bronze medalist, Sharon Limansantoso of Indonesia rounded out the top 5 with 1659 with five wins.

Team gold medalists, Jazreel Tan and Cherie Tan of Singapore finished a disappointing 12th and 15th positions with 1543 and 1454 respectively.

Korea is well clear in the Women's medal tally having won 3 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals. Japan leads the Men's tally with 2 gold and 1 silver while Korean men has 2 gold and 2 bronze medals.

Korea needs at least a silver medal to topple Japan for the Men champion. The overall champion will clearly be Korea regardless of which country winning the two final gold medals.

The women will resume with their second block of seven matches plus a position round-match to determine the top 3 advancing to the stepladder finals to decide the Masters champion. The men's second block will be held after the women's second block.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

1st October, Anyang, Korea: Team bronze medalist, Wu Siu Hong of Hong Kong led the first block of the Masters finals of the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 ahead of Hussain Al Suwaidi of UAE in second and Du Jianchao of China third.

2014 PBA-WBT Bahrain champion, Shaker Ali Al Hassan got off the block with a stunning 257 to beat team-mate, Hussain Al Suwaidi in the opening first of eight round-robin matchplay finals by just 4 pins.

The Emirati southpaw won his second match with 214 to extend his lead to 26 pins as Singles bronze medalist, Du Jianchao moved into second position while Trios gold medalist, Yoshinao Masatoki of Japan took third spot.

Despite not winning his third match, Shaker was able to hold on to the lead but only by 9 pins as two gold medalist, Park Jong Woo of Korea picked up his pace to take over second position and Masatoki holding third.

Masatoki held the lead at the halfway mark, 11 pins ahead of Shaker but handed the lead to the Park after the fifth match while Shaker recovered to take up second spot.

UAE had a one-two after the sixth match when Shaker managed to regain the lead followed by Hussain, 28 pins behind. Wu won his seventh match with 234 and closed out the block with another win to finished in the lead with 1764.

Hussain finished second with 1754, 10 pins adrift from 3 wins only. Du totaled 1725 from six wins for third spot while pace-setter, Shaker and Masatoki tied fourth place with 1715 to complete the top 5.

The two Koreans, who was expected to be fair well, managed only sixth and seventh positions. The men will resume with their second block of 8 matches on long oil pattern. The top 3 will advance to the stepladder finals.

Korea is well clear in the Women's medal tally having won 3 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals. Japan leads the Men's tally with 2 gold and 1 silver while Korean men has 2 gold and 2 bronze medals.

Korea needs at least a silver medal to topple Japan for the Men champion. The overall champion will clearly be Korea regardless of which country winning the two final gold medals.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

30th September, Anyang, Korea: Overnight leader, Korea sealed their first gold medal of the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 with a convincing victory in the 5-player Team event with Malaysia picking up the silver and Hong Kong the bronze.

Park Jong Woo, Choi Bok Eum, Kim Kyung Min, Shin Seung Hyeonm Hong Hae Sol (alternating for Kang Hee Won) extended their lead over their nearest rival from 79 pins to 157 pins with an opening game of 1058.

Hong Kong, who took over second spot at the start of the second block from Indonesia, had UAE hot on their heels, 50 pins adrift. The Koreans were well clear of the field after shooting 1027 in the fifth game to stretch their lead further to a massive 258 pins.

Malaysia shot a big game of 1060 in the fifth to leapfrog into second position, 34 pins ahead of Hong Kong slipping down to third.

Meanwhile, Singles gold medalist, Yannaphon Larpapharat of Thailand, who had a 54 pins lead over Indonesia's Ryan Lalisang before the start of the second block, stumbled to a 180 and 176 in the fourth and fifth games to hand the lead to Park Jong Woo, who rolled 228 and 233.

Lalisang also felled out of contention after struggling with 169 and 197. This sixth Korean Kang Hee Won, who was forced to bowl in the make up team, fired 226 and 222 to moved up to third.

As Korea cruised to a comfortable victory with 6228 total despite ending with 987, Malaysia registered another big game of 1010 to clinch the silver medal with 5986, 242 pins adrift.

2010 Guangzhou Asian Games Team bronze medalist hung on to third with 5900 to retain the bronze medal. China and UAE missed the podium tieing fourth position with 5896.

Park ended the team with 180 for a total of 1307 to win the All Events gold medal with 5047. Yannaphon settled for the silver with 5015 after managing 1252 in the Team event while Kang ended with a big game of 245 for a 1319 Team total to snatch the bronze medal with 4999.

Lalisang missed the podium in fourth with 4986 after only posted 1208 in his Team event. Trios silver medalist, Zulmazran Zulkifli, who was third going into the final game of the Team event, rounded out the top 5 with 4980.

Two Koreans, one Thai, two Indonesians, two Japanese, two Emiratis, two Malaysians and one each from Hong Kong and China finished in the top 16 of the All Events standing allowing Sithiphol Kunaksorn of Thailand and Michael Mak of Hong Kong to make the cut.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

30th September, Anyang, Korea: First block leader, Singapore claimed victory in the 5-player Team event to capture their first gold medal at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 with Korea settling for the silver and Indonesia the bronze.

Cherie Tan, Daphne Tan, Shayna Ng, New Hui Fen and Jazreel Tan got off the second block with only 975 but still managed to lead the pack as Korea homed in with 1039 to reduce their overnight gap from 95 to 31 pins.

Singapore fended off the challenge from Korea with 1016 in the fourth game while Korea's Lee Na Young, Lee Yeong Seung (alternating for Jeon Eun Hee), Jung Da Wun, Kim Jin Sun and Son Yun Hee managed only 925 to fall 122 pins behind Singapore.

China made progress to stay in a medal contention position in third with Chinese Taipei and Indonesia hot on their heels fighting the the minor placing.

Tension was also mounting for the All Events gold medal contenders. Overnight leader, Sin Li Jane of Malaysia, who had a 25 pin lead going into the Team second block, stumbled to a 169 in her opening game allowing Lee Na Young of Korea to take over the lead with a 55 pins margin.

Li Jane bounced back with 222 to reduce the gap to just 37 pins after the fifth game as Lee rolled 204. The gold came down to the deciding sixth and final game.

Meanwhile, Singapore ended the block with 984 to secure their first gold medal with 6119. Korea settled for the silver medla with 6048, 71 pins adrift. Indonesia, who was sixth, fought galantly to snatch the bronze medal with 956 in the last game for 5840 total.

Chinese Taipei improved to fourth but was 24 pin short of the Indonesians to missed the podium with 5816 while China rolled only 892 to finish fifth with 5811.

All Events leader Lee had an early opened frame in but recovered with a double. Li Jane started off with a double but also had a split. Both the Korean and the Malaysian struck twice again but the momemtum was clearly on the Korean's side especially with the capacity crowd cheering her on.

Lee ended the team event with 1256 to secure the gold with 5132. Li Jane ended with 1194 to settle for her second silver medal with 5095. Jazreel Tan claimed the bronze with 5013. Son Yun Hee and Cherie Tan rounded out the top 5.

There were five Korean women in the top 16 of the All Events table and three had to give up their places in the Masters finals. Singapore also had five and three had to give up. China and Indonesia have two women each in the top 16.

This leaves five available slots which went to Japan's Haruka Matsuda, Singles gold medalist, Chou Chia Chen and Wang Ya Ting, both from Chinese Taipei. Chan Shuk Han of Hong Kong, Angkana Netrviseth of Thailand and Marie Alexis Sy of Philippines made up the top 16 finalists.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

29th September, Anyang, Korea: Korea: Singapore snatched top spot in the Women's 5-player Team event at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 with two big games to lead local favourite, Korea by 95 pins and Chinese Taipei third.

Two gold medalists Lee Na Young and Son Yun Hee led Jeon Eun Hee, Jung Da Wun and Kim Jin Sun to register a superb 1088 in their opening game of the 5-player first block Team event. Chinese Taipei trailed in second with 1053.

Both the Koreans and the Taiwanese rolled identical 1003 in the second game to stay in the same order and at the same margin of 35 pins as China moved up to third position. Singapore's Cherie Tan, Daphne Tan, Shayna Ng, New Hui Fen and anchorwomen, Jazreel Tan posted a superb 1103 to moved up into fourth position.

The Singaporeans scorched the lanes with a stunning 1133 in their third game to snatch the lead with 3144. Korea managed only 958 to settle for second position with 3049, 95 pins adrift.

Chinese Taipei's Chou Chia Chen, Chien Hsiu Lan, Pan Yu Fen, Tsai Hsin Yi and Wang Ya Ting posted a slightly lower 939 to remain in third position with 2995 while China finished fourth with 2972.

Overnight leader and Doubles silver medalist, Sin Li Jane of Malaysia remained in the lead of the All Events with 4488 after 21 games despite a lowly 587 in the first block of the 5-player Team event.

Lee Na Young of Korea held second position with 4479. Cherie Tan moved up into third spot with 4435 and Son Yun Hee slipped one rung to fourth with 4424. Jazreel Tan rounded out the top 5 with 4380.

The women will resume their second block over the short oil pattern tomorrow morning followed by the men in the afternoon which will determine the champions of the prestigious 5-player Team event.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

29th September, Anyang, Korea: With just two bronze medal, the Korean men set their sights on winning their first gold medal at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 after leading the first block of the 5-player Team event on Monday.

Singles gold medalist, Yannaphon Larpapharat anchored his team to a stunning 1139 in their opening game on long oil pattern to establish a 70 pin lead over host, Korea. Annop Arromsaranon, Panuruj Vilailak, Atittarat Cheng, Sithiphol Kunaksorn and Yannaphon fired 191, 199, 237, 244 and 268 for the lead.

The Thais could not maintain their pace after a lowly 894 in the second game sending them down the field while Park Jong Woo, Choi Bok Eum, Shin Seung Hyeon, Kim Kyun Min and Kang Hee Won took over the pace.

United Arab Emirates trailed the Korean team by 19 pins as Indonesia gain grounds with 1001 and 1063 in their first two games to stay in third position.

Korea ended the first block on 1052 to lead with 3156. Ryan Lalisang, Billy Muhammad Islam, Diwan Rezaldy, Yeri Ramadona and Hardy Rachmadian of Indonesia took second spot with 3077, just 79 pins adrift.

2010 Guangzhou Asian Games Team bronze medalist, Wicky Yeung, Rickle Kam, Eric Tseng, Wu Siu Hong and Michael Mak of Hong Kong snatched third position with 3055. UAE and Thailand competed the top 5 with 3029 and 3022 respectively.

Yannaphon's 702 in the Team first block propelled the Thai into the lead of the All Events with 4465 after 21 games. Lalisang remained in second with 4410, 55 pins away and Park Jong Woo in third with 4406.

Overnight leader, Wu Siu Hong slipped down to fourth with 4377 followed by Kim Kyung Min of Korea rounded out the top 5.

The men will resume with their second block on short oil pattern tomorrow afternoon. The women will contest their first block later today and second block in the morning before the men.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

28th September, Anyang, Korea: First block leader of the Men's Trios event, Shogo Wada, Tomoyuki Sasaki and Shusaku Asato remained unbeaten after the second block to win Japan's second gold at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 late Sunday evening.

Singapore's second trio of Keith Saw, Ng Chiew Pang and Justin Lim got off the second block with a superb 681 to take over the running of the second squad, 46 pins ahead of overnight squad leader and Malaysia second trio.

But a poor 535 in the fifth game saw them slipping down the field as Muhamad Syafiq Ridhwan, Timmy Tan and Zulmazran Zulkifli regained their lead with a stunning 719 and Korea's second trio moving up into second.

Malaysia needed 677 or more in their sixth and final game to overhaul the first Japanese trio, who had totaled 3881 in the first squad. The second Korean trio of Kim Kyung Min, Park Jong Woo and Choi Bok Eum on ther other hand had a taller order needing 782 or more to snatch the gold.

All that was left for Singapore and the second Japanese trio was at best try to pick up the bronze medal with huge game in the sixth.

Malaysia fended off the challenges from Korea to top the squad and win their second silver medal with 3801, 80 pins short of the Japanese. Korea took the bronze medal with 3715 finishing on a last game of 616.

Singapore bounced back with 635 but felled shot by 14 pins for the bronze while Thaiand, who had finished second to Japan in the first squad, also missed the podium by 19 pins.

Hong Kong's Wu Siu Hong took over the top spot in the Men's All Events with 3781 from overnight leader, Kim Kyung Min of Korea, who slipped down to share fifth position with team-mate Park Jong Woo on 3740.

2006 Doha Asian Games singles gold medalist, Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia moved up to second with 3778 followed by Toshihiko Takahashi of Japan in third with 3768. Singles gold medalists, Yannaphon Larpapharat of Thailand was fourth with 3763.

The 5-player Team event first block of three games over long oil pattern will be contested September 29 morning while the women will bowl theirs in the afternoon. The women will resume with the second block on September 30 morning and the men in the afternoon.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

28th September, Anyang, Korea: Korea: First block leader of Lee Na Young, Jung Da Wun and Son Yun Hee captured Korea's second gold medal at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 with ease as Singapore settled for the silver and the second Korean trio adding the bronze.

The Korean first trio maintained their distance from their nearest rival at the start of the second block despite rolling only 602 in the fourth game on long oil condition as Singapore posted a big game of 694 to take up second spot.

Chinese Taipei, who was second overnight, slipped behind Singapore second trio and Indonesia second trio into fifth while Malaysia first trio move up one spot to sixth position.

Korea continued to hold their lead with 607 in the fifth game but their gap was reduced to 87 pins by Singapore, who posting a superb 648 to pile on the pressure. Malaysia made their bid for a medal when they shot 662 to take up third.

Cheered on by a capacity crowd at Anyang Hogye Gymnasium Bowling Centre, the Koreans were simply unbeatable cruising home with a sizzling 652 to secure their second gold medal at the competition with 3896.

Singles silver medalist, Jazreel Tan teaming up with New Hui Fen and Cherie Tan to pick up their second silver medal for Singapore with 3753, 143 pins behind.

The second trio of Lee Yeong Seung, Jeon Eun Hee and Kim Jin Sun stormed home with 621 to snatch the bronze medal from Indonesia by 8 pins on 3692. Indonesia missed the podium in fourth with 3684.

Malaysia threw away an opportunity to win a medal when they shot a disastrous 557 in their final game to end up in sixth behind Chinese Taipei completing the top 5 with 3663.

Doubles silver medalist, Sin Li Jane of Malaysia rolled the highest 6-games series of 1380 to leapfrog the Koreans for top spot in the All Events with 3901. Two gold medalists, Lee Na Young and Son Yun Hee are second and third with 3876 and 3815 respectively.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

27th September, Anyang, Korea: Doubles gold medalists, Lee Na Young and Son Yun Hee teamed up with bronze medalist, Jung Da Wun to cruise to a comfortable lead in the first block of the Women's Trios event at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014.

he formidable Korean trio went into the lead like a rocket after they rolled a strong 694 in their opening game. The second Chinese trio also started well with 661 to trail in second by 33 pins.

Korea then posted another superb 657 to extend their lead to 67 pins over Chinese Taipei's first trio of Pan Yu Fen, Chang Yu Hsuan and Tsai Hsin Yi, who moved into second as China slipped away.

The leader ended the first block on another strong game of 684 for a total of 2035. Lee shot the highest 3-games series of 718 while Jung and Son contributed 651 and 666 series.

Chinese Taipei retained second position with a total of 1890, 145 pins adrift the Korean women while the first Japanese trio of Natsuki Teshima, Haruka Matsuda and Kanako Ishimine stormed home with 665 to snatch third position on 1872.

Singapore's second trio and Indonesia's first trio completed the top 5 with 1864 and 1861 respectively. The first Singapore trio and the first Malaysian trio managed only sixth and seventh positions.

After 15 games have been contested in the Singles, Doubles and the first block of the Trios event, Lee Na Young moved into the lead of the All Events standings with 3233. Her team-mate, Son is second with 3213.

Doubles silver medalist, Sin Li Jane of Malaysia is third with 3169, a further 44 pins away followed by Singapore's Cherie Tan in fourth and Yang Suling of China completing the top 5 wiith 3150 and 3145 respectively.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

27th September, Anyang, Korea: First squad leader, Tomoyuki Sasaki, Shogo Wada and Shusaku Asato of Japan retained the lead of the Men's Trios first block at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 after Malaysia ended the second squad 32 pins adrift.

The Japanese first trio, who had trailed pace-setter, Korea in the first two games, stormed home with a sizzling 709 in the third game to snatch top spot with 1915. Korea's Shin Seung Hyeon, Hong Hae Sol and Kang Hee Won settled for second with 1871, 44 pins away.

Philippines' first trio took third spot with 1819, a further 52 pins away while Thailand and Macau rounded out the top 5.

In the second squad, Hong Kong's Eric Tseng, Wu Siu Hong and Michael Mak got off the block with a superb 661 but immediately slipped down the field after a poor 507 in the second game.

Singaopore's Keith Saw, Ng Chiew Pang and Justin Lim took over the running after firing a splendid 673 in the second game following a respectable 613 in their opening game. The trio ended with a lowly 564 to end behind Malaysia by 33 pins.

The Malaysian trio of Muhamad Syafiq Ridhwan, Timmy Tan and Zulmazran Zulkifli totaled 1883 to top the second squad but fell short by 32 pins to topple Squad A leader, Japan.

The first Korean trio, who finished second to Japan, finished third overall with 1871 while Singapore and Hong Kong completed the top 5 in fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Wu Siu Hong has moved into the lead of the All Events standings with 2133 after 15 games. Overnight leader, Kim Kyung Min finished second with 3112 while Zulmazran Zulkifli is third with 3108.

The women will contest their first block of Trios after the lane maintenance in a single squad. They will resume with their second block in the morning while the men will bowl their second block in the afternoon.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

26th October, Anyang, Korea: Local favourite pair of Lee Na Young-Son Yun Hee snatched the Women's Doubles gold to give Korea their first gold medal at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 with Jung Da Wun-Lee Yeong Seung adding the bronze.

Singles bronze medalist, Lee Na Young and 2013 World Championships gold medalist, Son Yun Hee got off to a spectacular start with 424 to lead two Chinese pairs by 20 and 25 pins in second and third.

Another superb second game of 434 allowed the Korean pair to increase their lead slightly to 35 pins ahead of Indonesia's third pair of Sharon Limansantoso and Putty Armein in second as the Chinese slipped away.

The Indonesian added a strong 442 in the third game to move into the lead followed by Singapore's third pair of New Hui Fen and Singles silver medalist, Jazreel Tan taking over second as Korea slipped down to third.

But Lee and Son bounced back brilliantly with a sizzling 480 to regain the lead after the fourth game as well as widening their gap to 75 pins. The leading pair shot 416 in the fifth game leaving them needing only 394 of more in the sixth and final game to topple Squad A leader, Malaysia for the gold.

Spurred on by the large crowd of local supporters, Lee and Son duly oblidged with 429 to snatch their first gold medal in the competition with 2553.

Singapore needed 458 or more to beat the Malaysians for the silver but managed only 387 for a total of 2447 which even failed to beat the first Korean pair of Jung Da Wun and Lee Yeong Seung from the first squad.

"Luckily we had a big game in the fourth which reduced our gap to the Malaysian leader in the first squad," said the delighted Son Yun Hee. "And when we rolled another good game in the fifth, we knew the gold is there for us.

"We've to thank our coaches, who kept urging us on and guiding us throughout the six games and also the strong turnout of supporters to cheer us on. This is our first gold medal of the competition and now we can confidently concentrate on the other events."

Shalin Zulkifli and Sin Li Jane settled for the silver medal with 2518 posted in the first squad. Singapore finished fourth with 2447 while Indonesia completed the top 5 with 2433.

Competition will shift to the Trios event, which will be contested over two days. Three games will be played on the long oil in the first block and the remaining three games on short oil in the second block.

The Team of 5 events will be contested on Septmber 29 and 30. The top 16 men and top 16 women from the All Events standings (with a maximum of two qualifiers from each NOC) will advance to the Masters finals.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

26th October, Anyang, Korea: Sin Li Jane and games veteran, Shalin Zulkifli of Malaysia set a higher benchmark of 2518 in the opening squad of the Women's Doubles at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 on Friday.

Malaysia's second pair of Hee Kar Yen and Siti Safiyah Amirah surprised many to take the lead with 432 in their opening game ahead of Indonesia's Novie Phang and Tannya Roumimper in second.

Two additional games of 417 and 383 was good enough to the Malaysian pair to retain the lead as Korea's second pair of Lee Young Seung-Jung Da Wan and the Indonesian pair traded second position.

The Malaysian pair posted a lowly 340 in the fourth game to hand the lead to their team-mates and first pair, Shalin and Li Jane who posted 446. Korea continued to occupy second spot with the Hee and Siti slipping down to third.

Another superb 453 from the leader put them 57 pins further in front of Korea. Malaysia then ended in a flourish, rolling 449 in the sixth and final game to set the benchmark of 2518, higher than the Men' first squad yesterday.

Lee and Jung put in a fight in their last game with 450 but finished 56 pins short on 2462 while the second Korean pair of Jeon Eun Hee-Kim Jin Sun stormed home with 443 to snatch third spot with 2368.

The pace-setting second Malaysian pair finished fourth with 2351 while Japan's Natsuki Teshima-Haruka Matsuda, who were third before the final game, completed the top 5 with 2334.

The second squad will take to the lanes in the afternoon and judging from the lane conditions today, the spinners from Chinese Taipei and China will not be as competitive as they were in the long oil pattern during the Singles.

Yet there are still several strong pairs in the second squad and will most likely come from the pairing of Singles bronze medalist, Lee Na Young and World Championships gold medalist, Son Yun Hee.

Singapore's two pairs of New Hui Fen-Jazreel Tan and Cherie Tan-Shayna Ng could also be medal contenders. Japan's third pair of Kanako Ishimine-Misaki Mukotani and the third Malaysian pair of Esther Cheah-Syaidatul Afifah are also possible contenders.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Incheon.

25th September, Incheon: Toshihiko Takahashi and Yoshinao Masatoki beat team-mates and Squad A leader of Tomoyuki Sasaki and Daisuke Yoshida in the second squad of Men's Doubles at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 to give Japan the gold and silver medals.

Indonesian third pair of Billy Muhammad Islam and Hardy Rachmadian set a cracking pace in their opening game of the second squad with 446 to lead the third Qatari pair by 11 pins and the second Indonesian pair in third.

Muhd Islam and Rachmadian took over the running with another splendid 425 after the second game as their team-mates, Ryan Lalisang and Yeri Ramadona moved into second spot, just 4 pins adrift.

The second pair of Lalisang and Ramadona quickened their pace with a superb 423 to quickly move into the lead as their compatriots slipped into second. Takahashi and Masatoki also fired a big game of 487 to take up third spot at the halfway mark.

Disaster struck the leader when they suffered a low game of 323 in the fourth game while the Japanese pair posted another sizzling 471 to move into the lead. UAE's Hareb Al Mansoori and Shaker Al Hassan trailed Japan by 106 pins in second.

Muhd Islam and Rachmadian returned a good 423 to stay in third overtaking their team-mates, who slipped down to fifth behind Singapore's third pair.

Takahashi and Masatoki kept their composure in their sixth and final game to end with 384, enough to top the squad and beat their team-mates for the gold medal with 2533.

Muhd Islam and Rachmadian posted 448 but was 7 pin short of beating Sasaki and Yoshida to settle for the bronze medal with 2489. UAE took fourth position in the squad with 2430 while the other Indonesian pair finished fifth with 2425.

"The two big games in the third and fourth eased our pressure a bit," said Masatoki, who has represented Japan in the last two Asian Games and won the Team gold medal at the 2006 Doha Asian Games.

"We paced each other well to put in a good fifth game and we knew from then on we had a good chance of winning the gold medal needing only 353 or more in the final game."

The second Emirati pair of Hussain Al Suwaidi and Naif Oqab, who finished second to Japan in the first squad, missed the podium in fourth overall on 2461 while the third UAE pair rounded out the top 5.

The women will contest their Doubles event over two squads tomorrow before shifting the competition to the Trios on September 27 and 28.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Incheon.

25th September, Incheon: Tomoyuki Sasaki and debutant, Daisuke Yoshida fought back galantly to regain top spot on the opening squad of the Men's Doubles at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 ahead of UAE and Korea in second and third.

Singapore's first pair of Javier Tan amd Ng Chiew Pang got off the block in style with 442 in their opening game to lead China's first pair of Wang Shizhen and Qi Wankang in second by 16 pins and a further 9 pins came Qatar's first pair in third.

Sasaki and Yoshida did not roll a very high game of 408 but still managed to take over the running as local favourite, Choi Bok-Eum and Park Jong-Woo of Korea moved up into second spot after a lack-luster start in the first game.

A high game 430 from the Qatari pair gave them the lead at the halfway mark while the Emirati first pair of Hussain Al Suwaidi and Naif Oqab trailed in second, just 14 pins adrift.

The lead changed hands again as Korea fought back with a superb 461 in the fourth game with UAE happy to sit in second, some 34 pins away. Although Japan slipped down after a poor third game, the duo bounched back with 425 and 435 to stay amongst the leading pack.

Sasaki and Yoshida rolled the highest game with 482 of the squad to snatch pole with 2502. UAE retained second spot with 2461, 41 pins away while Korea managed only 404 to settle for third position with 2427.

"We started off well when the lanes were fresher and we were bowling from the outside," said Sasaki, who is competing in his third Asian Games. "But after the third game, it was impossible to do that and we changed balls and move inside."

"We know the scores are not very high and we hope our total is good enough to earn us a medal after the second squad finish."

Malaysia, who was in the top 3 at one stage, finished fourth with 2414 while China's second pair stormed home to round out the top 5 with 2413.

The second squad will take to the lanes after lane maintenance and the combined scores from both squads will determine the winners. The women will contest their doubles on September 26.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

24th September, Anyang, Korea: Squad A leader, Chou Chia Chen of Chinese Taipei clinched the Women Singles Gold medal at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 with Squad B leader, Jazreel Tan of Singapore taking the silver and Lee Na Young of Korea the bronze.

Tan got off to a superb start in the opening game with 245 in the second squad to lead Filipina, Lara Posadas by 8 pins and Malaysian, Sin Li Jane by another 2 pins away in third.

The Singaporean held the lead for another game with 199 as Lee Na Young moved into second spot with 226 following her opening game of 197 while Posadas slipped down the field with a poor 170.

After taking over the lead in the third game, Lee held the lead for another game with China's Zhang Yuhong moving into second spot. Lee then lost the lead to 2006 Doha Asian Games Singles gold medalist, Esther Cheah of Malaysia after the fourth game.

Yet the Malaysian needed 234 or more in the final game to topple Squad A leader, Chou Chia Chen for the gold while Lee needed 242 or more and Indonesia's Sharon Limansantoso, who was third, needed 246 or more.

Lee ended with 223 for a 1272 total and falling short by 19 pins. Cheah could only knock down 198 and out of the medal contention. Tan fired a splendid 256 but was still short by 14 pins to settle for the silver with 1277.

Chou's 1291 was good enough to clinch the gold medal while the Korean beat a second Singaporean, New Hui Fen by 1 pin to take the bronze medal.

"I was more worried about the Korean catching up and beating me," said Chou at the press conference. "But when she bowled only 223, I knew no one else had a chance to beat me. I'm so happy to win the gold medal at my first Asian Games."

Tan, who expressed great satisfaction for winning the silver medal said: "I wasn't expecting to beat the Taiwanese as I was so far away and needing 270 or more. I knew I had to bowl a big game to stand any chance of winning a medal. The silver medal is a bonus for me and I could not be more happier."

Competition will shift to the Doubles event tomorrow with the men contesting over two squads. The women will resume with their Doubles on September 26.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

24th September, Anyang, Korea: Chou Chia Chen of Chinese Taipei took a surprise lead in the Women's Singles opening squad of the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 ahead of two Singaporeans, New Hui Fen and Daphne Tan in second and third.

2013 Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games two gold medalist, Daphne Tan of Singapore set a blistering pace with a sizzling 245 to lead 2013 World Championships gold medalist, Son Yun Hee of Korea by 21 pins.

But Tan could only hold the lead for another game after Chou Chia Chen of Chinese Taipei surged into the lead with a scintilating 268 after the third game following her first two games of 217 and 216.

Tan slipped down to third after managing only 183 while her team-mate and 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games Singles bronze medalist, New Hui Fen took over second spot, 51 pins adrift the Taiwanese spinner.

Hui Fen put pressure on Chou with 215 in the fourth game to reduce the gap to 39 pins but the leader stretched the gap back to a comfortable 79 pins after knocking down 230 in the fifth game. Although Chou stumbled with 157 in her sixth and final game she was able to hang on to the lead with 1291.

Hui Fen ended with 216 to finish second on a total of 1271, just 20 pins adrift while Tan took third spot with 1239 on a stronger final game of 224.

The best Korean was Son, who finished fourth with 1237 while 2006 Doha Asian Games Singles silver medalist, Putty Armein of Indonesia rounded up the top 5 with 1225.

The remaining 36 women will contest their Singles in Squad B later today. With the conditions more favourable for spinners, we could see more progress from the remaining Taiwanese pair and three strong spinners from China.

The scores were extremely close in yesterday's Men's Singles. The benchmark of 1291 can be beaten but the competition may again been keenly closely fought. The combined scores of the two squads will determine the outcome.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

23rd September, Anyang, Korea: Yannaphon Larpapharat and Sithiphol Kunaksorn won the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 Men's Singles gold and bronze medal for Thailand while Du Jianchou clinched the silver for China.

2010 Guangzhou Asian Games doubles gold medalist, Adrian Ang of Malaysia set the opening pace in the second squad to lead triple gold medalist and hot favourite, Choi Bok-Eum of Korea by 1 pin and Du Jianchou in third.

After strong 244 following a 210 in the first game, Sithiphol Kunaksorn of Thailand took over the running as Choi remained in second and Du continuing to keep pace with the leading duo. Sithiphol continued to lead with another strong game in the third, stretching his lead to 40 pins.

Despite managing only 212 in the fourth game, the Thai extended his lead to 50 pins ahead of the Chinese spinner, Du. At this stage, Sithiphol would need 387 or more to topple Squad A leader, Zulmazran Zulkifli of Malaysia for the gold.

Du, who trailed Sithiphol by 50 pins needed 437 while a third medal contender, Yannaphon Larpapharat of Thailand needed 440 or more to finish in the podium.

The leader rolled 216 to stay on course and needing 171 or more in his last game. Du, spurred on by his team-mates' cheering, posted 237 to narrow tha gap to 29 pins and needing 200 or more for a shot at the gold medal.

Yannaphon, pacing with the leader, shot an identical 216 and would need 224 or more for any chance to snatch the gold. Sithiphol could have ended his sixth game with 184 to seal victory but failed to spare his last frame for 172 and 1299 total.

Du could not strike in the tenth frame but he struck in his bonus frame to beat Sithiphol by 1 pin with 202 on 1300 total. Yannaphon struck in the ninth and needed to strike again in the tenth frame to snatch victory.

With tremendous tension mounting, Yannaphon delivered a perfect pocket for his second strike and then sealing victory another strike in the 11th frame and a 9-pin count to finish with 245 on a total of 1319.

"This is my fourth attempt to win a gold medal in the games," said Yannaphon, who finished fourth in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games Masters, an All Events bronze in the 2006 Doha Asian Games and the 2002 Busan Asian Games Singles silver medal.

"I'm estatic and overwhelmed with this victory and I've to thank my ball sponsor and my government in believing me all these years. I felt sad for my team-mate after being beaten in the final game but we'are still happy to come away with the gold and bronze medal for Thailand."

Kim Kyung Min of Korea finished fourth and Naif Oqab of UAE finished fifth in this squad with 1260 and 1239 respectively. Squad A leader, Zulmazran Zulkifli was unlucky to miss the podium by 1 pin.

Mr Kim Kil-Doo, President of Korean Bowling Congress presented the medals to the winners while Mr Choi Jang-Kyu, Vice President of KBC and Asian Bowling Federation gave away the bouquets.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

23rd September, Anyang, Korea: Zulmazran Zulkifli of Malaysia set a beatable benchmark of 1298 in the opening squad of the Men's Singles event of the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 underway at Anyang Hogye Gymnasium Bowling Centre.

2010 Guangzhou Asian Games Singles silver medalist, Frederick Ong of the Philippines got off the block of the opening squad with a scintilating 268, 35 pins ahead of his nearest rival, Zulmazran Zulkifli in second.

Despite a 199 in the second game, the Filipino held the lead with still a decent margin of 34 pins cushion but not for long as local favourite, Park Jong Woo surged into the lead with stong games of 258 and 227 in the second and third games.

Like Ong, Park also managed to hold on to the lead for another game followed closely by Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia in second 13 pins away before handling the baton to Zulmazran after the fifth game.

The Malaysian had just 6 pins margin over Park while the Korean had 2 pins over the Indonesia going into the sixth and final game. Zulmazran prevailed to end with 214 to finish in pole with 1298.

Annop Arromsaranon stormed home with 238 to snatch second spot with 1273 while Park had to settle for third with 1269 after a poor 191 in his last game. 2013 East Asian Games Masters gold medalist, Wu Siu Hong ended in fourth with 1266.

A second Korean, Shin Seung Hyeon rounded out the top 5 with 1263 while Lalisang slipped to seventh with 1253 behind China's Wang Zhiyong in sixth position with 1257. Defending champion, Biboy Rivera of the Philippines, who set a benchmark of 1414 at the last games, is in the second squad.

So with still many strong bowlers in the second squad, the mark set by Zulmazran is a beatable scoreline and he will be waiting anxiously for that outcome when Squad B takes to the lanes later today.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

22nd September, Anyang, Korea: 177 bowlers competing at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 got a first hand test of the short and long oil lane conditions during the two days of official practice seesions.

103 men and 74 women, less 12 men from Bahrain and India, who pulled out in the last minute, took to the lanes at Anyang Hogye Gymnasium Bowling Center testing the short (36 feet) and long (46 feet) oil patterns put out by Mr John Janawicz, the technical official for the games.

While the competition will get underway in earnest, many teams are happy with the conditions and facilities put up by the organizing committee.

Adequate space are provided for the storage of bowling equipment as well as space provided for the players to rest in between squads and events.

"The services and facilities at the games village is very adequate," said Singapore head coach Remy Ong before the second practice session started. "Korea has hosted many games and they are extremely efficient.

"The facilities at Anyang Hogye Gymnasium Bowling Centre has been kept in tip top condition. We've had the lane patterns for more than a month and we've found the conditions to be similar to those we've practised on before we came here."

"We have are very happy with the way the Korean organizing committee has done in providing us with superb accommodation, transportation and meals choices for the games," said Indonesia head coach, Sid Allen after the first session of the second day of official practice.

"The lane conditions selected are is very fair and very similar to the conditions used during the US Open this year. The scores will be high and whoever wins a medal, it'll be quite an achievement."

Korea dominated the last Asian Games in Guangzhou in 2010, sweeping 8 out of 12 gold medals. Malaysia finished second with 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medal. Singapore was third with 1 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze medal. Philippines was the only other nation to win a gold.

The 18 countries will face stiff challenges against the mighty Koreans. Triple gold medalist at the last games, Choi Bok-Eum and Hang Hae-Sol will led four debutants, Kang Hee-Won, Kim Kyung-Min, Park Jong-Woo and Shin Seung-Hyeon in their men's team.

Six gold medalist at 2013 East Asian Games Tianjin and 2013 World Championships gold medalist, Son Yun-Hee and Jeon Eun-Hee will also lead four debutants, Jung Da-Wun, Kim Jin-Sun, Lee Na-Young and Lee Yeong-Seung in their women's team.

"We surely cannot rule out the host, Korea as they have demonstrated in the past how good they can be," said Mr Allen. "I do fancy the Chinese Taipei women providing the possible challenge to the Korean women as they have won the gold here last year at the Asian Indoor Games and the gold at the last Asian Championships."

"There are many strong teams here and we definitely cannot rule out the host, Korea, Chinese Taipei and Malaysia," expressed Mr Ong. "We're prepared and we hope to give them a good challenge.

"As for the men, again Korea appears extremely strong but so are other teams like Malaysia, UAE and Hong Kong. Although our team is young, we're also well prepared to give a good account for ourselves."

Competition kicks off with the Men's Singles divided into 2 squads on September 23 over the long oil pattern while the Women's Singles, also divided into 2 squads, will be held on September 24.

The Doubles event will be contested over two days for the men (September 25) and the women (September 26), the Trios event over two blocks of 3 games each on September 27 and 28. The Team of 5 will be held over two blocks of 3 games on September 29 and 30.

The top 16 men and top 16 women (only two from each NOC maximum) will qualify for the Round-Robin Masters finals over two blocks of 8 games each on October 1 and 2. The top 3 men and top 3 women will advance to the stepladder finals.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.

20th September, Anyang, Korea: Korea: The big stage at Anyang Hogye Gymnasium Bowling Center is all set for 177 players from 19 countries to do battle for glory at the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 which will commence on Tuesday.

103 men and 74 women players were confirmed by team officials who attended the team managers' meeting chaired by Dr Danny Santos, Technical Delegate for the games. Also present was Mr Chung Young-Hee, secretary general of the Korean Bowling Congress, on behalf of Mr Kim Kil-Doo, President of Korean Bowling Congress.

Mr Chung welcomed team officials on behalf of the host nation, Korea at the start of the meeting. Mr John Janawicz of Kegel Company Inc., USA is the Technical Official responsible for the maintenance of the lanes while the local tournament co-ordinator is Mr Kim Hyung-Tae.

Mr Kyohei Akagi, Honorary Life President of WTBA, Mr Choi Jang-Kyu, Vice President of KBC and Asian Bowling Federation and Ms Suwalai Satrulee, Vice President of ABF and secretary general of Thai Tenpin Bowling Association are appointed Jury of Appeal.

A roll call was made by Dr Santos and thereafter conducted the meeting by going through the competition schedule, ball registration, official practice sessions and other matters of importance.

Mr Choi Jang-Kyu assisted Dr Santos in conducting the lane draw for the Singles, Doubles, Trios and Team of 5 events for both the men and women divisions. Two official practice sessions will be held on October 21 and 22.

The odd-numbered lanes will be dressed with the long oil pattern and the even-numbered lanes will be dressed with the short oil pattern selected by Technical official, Mr Janawicz for the first day session while the reverse will be used for the second day session.

Competition kicks off with the Men's Singles divided into 2 squads on September 23 over the long oil pattern while the Women's Singles, also divided into 2 squads, will be held on September 24.

The Doubles event will be contested over two days for the men (September 25) and the women (September 26), the Trios event over two blocks of 3 games each on September 27 and 28. The Team of 5 will be held over two blocks of 3 games on September 29 and 30.

The top 16 men and top 16 women (only two from each NOC maximum) will qualify for the Round-Robin Masters finals over two blocks of 8 games each on October 1 and 2. The top 3 men and top 3 women will advance to the stepladder finals.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Anyang, Korea.