27th May, Singapore: Top-seed Lee Yu-Wen of Singapore and third-seed Huang Chiung-Yao of Chinese Taipei rose to the occasion and crowned the 39th Singapore International Open Masters champions after defeating their opponents in the stepladder finals at Victor's Superbowl this evening.

National bowler, Lee Yu-Wen gave Singapore its second successive victory when he edged challenger, Surasak Manuwong of Thailand, 197-174 in the final match. Lee captured the title following Jack Wong's triumph last year.

With a series of strikes from the fifth to eight game, this 2005 Qatar Open champion had the upper edge in the title match while his challenger, Surasak floundered. Both the finalists had a nervous start with an open frame each and while the champion got going from fifth frame, the Thai had another split in the fifth frame which decided the match.

"The lanes were still fresh at the beginning, but I gradually got into the groove. I'm very pleased to win my first Singapore International Open especially to have done it against top competitors from Asia," said the delighted Lee.

The second-seed, Surasak settled for second despite ousting third-seed, Chester King of the Philippines and winner of the first match, Mika Koivaniemi of Finland, 253-176-183 in the second match to have a crack at the title.

In the women's division, top-seed and Manila SEA Games gold medalist, Liza Clutario of the Philippines, failed to stop her challenger, Huang Chiung Yao of Chinese Taipei, when forced into the sudden-death decider after loosing the first match, 176-182.

The Filipino had no answer to the relentless determination shown by the Taiwanese and found herself training after two splits in the fifth and sixth frames when she failed to convert. With two double strikes in the third-fourth and seventh-eighth frame, Huang crusied to a convincing win.

"I was a little relaxed during the first game which almost gave Clutario an opportunity to catch up. So when it came to the second game, I had to work harder and kept telling myself that I could do it," said Huang.

The champion earned the crack at the title after she knocked out second-seed, Pan Yu-Fen and winner of the first match, Wang Yu-Ling in an all-Taiwanese second match, 217-206-198 before defeating Clutario in two matches.

Huang also gave Chinese Taipei its second successive victory following the footsteps of her compatriot, Hung Shu-Chun, who captured the same title last year. The Men’s Open Masters champion won the top prize of $25,000 while the Women’s Open Masters champion took home $5,000.

Photos by Ms Tang Whai Yih, Council Member SBF.

26th May, Singapore: Manila SEA Games Masters gold medalist, Liza Clutario of the Philippines, posted a high game of 279 in a final game to snatch the lead of the Women's first block of the 39th Singapore International Open.

Two-time Singapore Open champion, Wendy Chai and Singapore's Michelle Kwang shared the lead as the women took to the lanes at Victor's Superbowl for their first block Masters finals after the first game. A superb 256 in the second game from World Ranking Masters runner-up, Putty Armein pushed the Indonesian to the lead.

At the halfway-mark, it was clear that Liza Clutario of the Philippines having the upperhand when Manila SEA Games Masters Gold medalist stepped her pace with 254 and 217 in the third and fourth games to move to the front with a 15 pin margin.

Chinese Taiepei's Pan Yu-Fen put up a strong challenge to string together a series of high games to take over the lead at the seventh game on a 25 pin margin. A superb finish by the Clutario on a high game of 279 allowed the Filipina to regain the lead with a total of 1736.

Pan settled for second with 1710, 26 pins adrift while Clutario's teammate, Jojo Canare claimed third spot with 1672. Pace-setter, Putty Armein ended the block in fourth spot with 1652 with Huang Chiung-Yao of Chinese Taipei and early leader, Wendy Chai fifth and six positions.

Michelle Kwang was Singapore top finisher in ninth while other Singapore challengers, Alice Tay (15th), Jasmine Yeong Nathan (16th), Jazreel Tan (17th) and Jennifer Tan (19th). The women will continue their second block tomorrow (27th May).

Photos by Ms Tang Whai Yih, Council Member SBF.

26th May, Singapore: Two-time AVIVA Asian Bowling Tour Grand Slam champion, Purvis Granger of USA hung on to a slender of 11 pins in the Men's Open Masters first block of 8 games of the 39th Singapore International Open.

As the 39 finalists took to the lanes this afternoon, PBA bowler, Mika Koivaniemi set a cracking pace to take the lead with 263 in the first game. But the ex-PBA bowler, Purvis Granger of the US, scorched the lanes to snatch the lead from game 3 onwards.

Despite strong challenges mounted by Filipino, Chester King, Senior Masters runner-up, Peter Woo of Korea and Singapore's Lee Yu-Wen, the American managed to hang on to the lead to end the first block with just 11 pins to spare.

"I felt that I was going too fast in the first game and couldn't get my footing right. Then when I got into a good groove from the second to fifth game, I knew I had a strong chance of finishing the block in the lead," said Granger who posted a total of 1835.

"Hopefully everything falls in place tomorrow for round 2. I'll just concentrate on the game and do my best," added Granger. 2005 Euromed-Storm International Masters champion, Chester King settled for second with 1824 while third spot went to the Korean, Peter Woo with 1803.

National bowler Lee Yu-Wen was the best Singaporean performer taking up the fourth spot with 1766, followed by newly-crowned Men's Senior Masters champion, Jack Wong of Singapore in fifth position with 1755. Top qualifier, Surasak Manuwong of Thailand and last year's Youth Boys champion, Ernie Cheng of Chinese Taipei finished sixth and seventh positions respectively.

The women will take to the lanes for their first block of 8 games after the lane maintenance with the Men's and Women's Graded A Masters finals later this evening. The second block of 8 games for men and women will be held tomorrow (Saturday 27th May) and the top 6 in each division will make the cut for the stepladder finals.

Photos by Ms Tang Whai Yih, Council Member SBF.

26th May, Singapore: Defending champion of the Men's Open division, Jack Wong of Singapore put in another scintillating performance this morning to bag the Men's Senior Masters title of the 39th Singapore International Open.

Standing out amongst his peers, season campaigner Wong added another title to his name with an impressive score of 2142 over 10 games from Korea's ex-international, Peter Woo in second with 2129, just 13 pins adrift. Third place went to Jason Lim of Singapore with 2041.

"It was quite challenging as Peter Yoo put up a good fight. It was really a close fight till the end," said 54-year-old Wong. A familiar face at the Singapore International Open, Wong has won the Men's Masters Open twice in 1987 and 2005, as well as the Men's Senior Masters title in 2004.

"Now that I have a good feel for the lanes, hopefully my performance will be just as strong later on in the Open finals. I have to say that I'm getting any younger and I've to bowl another 10 games later," added Wong.

Meanwhile, the Women's Senior Masters crown went to Yeo Soo Yong of Singapore, with a score of 1791, followed by Lucy Ong with 1751 and Lee Whai Yih with 1727.

Youth Boy's Under-16 champion, Yoon Sung Hyun of Korea added another title when the 15-year-old Seoul High School Team member edged Singapore National youth member, Faizal Chew by 6 pins on a 10-game total of 2020. Faizal settled for second with a total of 2014 followed by Gerald Yeo in third spot with 1953.

"For my first international tournament, I'm very glad to win the Under-16 and Youth Boy's Open titles. This is a great achievement for me and I hope that this exposure will help me in future tournaments," said Yoon.

Jolin Wu led a clean sweep by Singapore youth girls when she triumphed in the Youth Girl's Open Masters finals with a score of 1945. National youth, Geraldine Ng finished second, 68 pins further on a score of 1877 with Teo Li Ying in third position with 1828.

"Actually, I didn't really expect to win as I've never even won any titles before. Winning here against strong overseas competitors is quite an achievement for me. This will definitely boost my confidence at the upcoming National Age Group Championships," said the 20-year-old Wu.

Photos by Ms Tang Whai Yih, Council Member SBF.

25th May, Singapore: Yoon Sung Hyun of Korea gave a superb performance to claim the Under 16 Boy's Masters title of the 39th Singapore International Open while the Audrey Lee of the Singapore Sports School took the Girl's crown.

Despite his limited exposure in competitions, the 15-year-old newcomer from the Seoul High School Team in Korea, posted an impressive 1647 over the 8-game finals and an average of 205.88 to claim the title in his first-ever international outing.

"I'm still a little nervous when I'm competing, but I just try to ignore everything else and concentrate on my game," said Yong, who was first runner-up in the recent Seoul Mayor's Cup.

"This is my first international tournament. I'm already so happy to be competing and learning from the overseas competitors. By winning this title, it is really an added bonus. Hopefully, this experience will help me in other overseas tournaments," added Yong. Singapore Sports School's Justin Lim finished a distant second with 1528 followed by Mike Loh in third with 1498.

In the Girl's division, Singapore Sports School's youths dominated by taking the top 2 positions. Audrey Lee, a second year student was pleased to claim her maiden win with a score of 1334 over the 8 games finals. Her schoolmate, Anthea Soh Wei Xuen took second spot with 1303. Third position went to Yap Zhimin of Raffles Girls Secondary School with a score of 1226.

"I'm happy as this is the first title that I've ever won. I just tried my best to concentrate and not bother about the other competitors," said 13-year-old Lee. This good showing will definitely boost her confidence at the upcoming National Age Group Championships in June.

Qualifying will end this evening and the Masters Finals will be held on Friday

26th and Saturday 27th May over two blocks of 8 games each. The top 6 at the end of the finals will make the cut for the Stepladder Finals at 3.00pm.

Photos by Ms Tang Whai Yih, Council Member SBF.

24th May, Singapore: PBA bowler Mika Koivuniemi of Finland, made his mark moving up the Men's Open Masters qualifying leaderboard of the 39th Singapore International Open at Victor’s Superbowl on Wednesday afternoon.

The PBA Player of the Year scorched the lanes with an impressive score of 960 over 4 games and secured second position of the Men’s Open Masters, 31 pins adrift current leader, Surasak Manuwong of Thailand.

"I'm aiming to win the $25,000 grand prize and to do that I just have to adapt to the wood lanes over the next few days," said 39-year-old Koivuniemi. This is the third time Koivuniemi is competing in the Singapore International Open and hopes he will surpass his opponents this time.

"There're lots of young and talented bowlers here. With more experience, they've the potential to become great bowlers," added Koivuniemi. But fellow PBA bowler, Tim Mack of USA is way down the field in twelfth position. One of the world's leading bowlers, the American managed to knock down 901 despite his previous shoulder injury.

"I'm trying to improve my strength as the tournament progresses and deep in my heart, I'll try to win," said Mack. Having won the Singapore International Open in 1999, 2000 and 2004, Mack seems confident to repeat his success.

Meanwhile, triple title winner and current Asian Ranked No. 1, Shalin Zulkifli shot to the lead briefly with a superb 897, only to be taken over by Chinese Taipei's Wang Yu-Ling, who posted 905 for the lead.

Manila SEA Games Masters gold medalist. Liza Clutario of the Philippines improved to third with 896 with World Ranking Masters runner-up, Putty Armein fourth with 858. 2004 Singapore National champion, Jazreel Tan topped the local pool with 876 followed by Evelyn Chan in second with 866.

Bowlers in the 39th Singapore International Open 2006 will be contesting for a total prize purse of $120,000, with the champion walking away with $25,000 for the Men’s Open and $5,000 for the Women’s Open. The Perfect game prize money will be $20,000.

For the first time, both Mack and Koivaniemi and national bowler, Remy Ong will combine efforts to run a clinic this Friday, 26th May. As part of the fringe event of the 39th Singapore International Open, they will be sharing bowling tips and experiences with the participants.

Photos by Ms Tang Whai Yih, Council Member SBF.

23rd May, Singapore: At the finals of the Highest Bowling Ball Stack Challenge, spectators held their breath as national bowlers Lee Yu-Wen and Evelyn Chan placed the eighth ball on top of their vertical stack of bowling balls and into the record books.

Rousing applause resounded at Victor’s Superbowl when their stack of eight balls remained standing for 1minute 29 seconds. Witnessed by the officials from the Singapore Book of Record, this will be the first ball stacking record for Singapore.

"We're really pleased with our efforts. It all boiled down to good team work and communication," said Lee. Following closely behind this dynamic duo were fellow teammates Shaun Ng and Valerie Teo with their highest 7 balls, which remained standing for 2 minutes.

"We're just pleased to be a part of this exciting challenge, which is a first for Singapore," said Lee's partner, Chan. Tied in the second position were Francis Liew and Alan Tan, who also managed to stack 7 balls which remained standing for 2 minutes.

Lee and Chan walked away with $1,500 cash while the two teams that tied for second spot won $750 cash each. This exciting challenge has been successfully attempted for the Guinness World Record in Los Angeles in 1998 where David Kremer stacked 10 bowling balls vertically.

Next year, teams will once again compete in this fringe event for the Singapore International Open in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record.

Photos by Ms Tang Whai Yih, Council Member SBF.

23rd May, Singapore: As overseas bowlers arrive for the qualifying rounds of the 39th Singapore International Open, two-time champion, Wendy Chai of Malaysia blazed the lanes at Victor's Superbowl to take up third in the Women's Open Masters table.

Fresh from retaining the Sinai Open title which Wendy Chai of Malaysia, successfully defended, the Asian No. 1 bowler, is back for the sixth consecutive year to compete in the Singapore International Open.

"Definitely I'll be hoping to at least make it to the top 6 during the finals and I'll try my best as the competition and lane conditions are pretty tough," said Chai. Having won the Women’s Open Masters in 2001 and 2002, Chai hopes her winning streak will continue this year.

A good showing in the on-going 39th Singapore International Open will add confidence when Chai competes in the Asian Championship in August and the Doha Asian Games in December. "Last year was my best-ever year for me when I finished second in the World Ranking Masters and third in the AMF World Cup," added the 28-year-old.

Chai posted 835 in her first attempt to take up third in the overseas pool, just behind Indonesia's Putty Armein, who is at the top with 858 and Wang Yu-Ling of Chinese Taipei second with 851. Another strong contender to look out for Manila SEA Games Masters Gold medalist, Liza Clutario of Philippines, who is in the seventh position with 804.

"I'm trying hard to qualify over the next few days and I'll try my best to adapt to the lane conditions to improve my game," said Clutario. "There are also a lot of strong competitors this year from Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, so, it won't be easy," added Clutario.

Meanwhile, Thailand Open runner-up, Surasak Manuwong of Thailand stormed into top spot in the Men's division with a superb score of 991 to dislodge overnight leader, Peter Yoo of Korea to second with 958.

Justin Teng of Singapore continued to top the local pool with 978 from reigning National champion, Jason Yeong Nathan in second and Remy Ong third with 952 and 937 respectively.

Qualifying will continue till Thursday 25th May and the Masters Finals will be held on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May over two blocks of 8 games each. The top 6 at the end of the finals will make the cut for the Stepladder Finals at 3.00pm.

Photos by Ms Tang Whai Yih, Council Member SBF.

22nd May, Singapore: Veteran and former Malaysian International Open champion, Patty Hor returned to compete in the 39th Singapore International Open after a hiatus of more than a decade.

The 1989 Malaysian International Open champion, who is now back to compete only in the Senior Division, managed to finish second in the Singapore Open at the height of her bowling career.

"I'm here to do my best and most importantly enjoy the game with fellow bowlers. I haven't been competing for a long time because of my work commitments so I'm just glad to have time to do something I love best," said Hor.

Hor's last competitive exposure was when she was part of the national team. Her most memorable experience in the sport was winning the gold medal the Asian FIQ. At her first attempt today, she managed a score of 621 over 4 games but was third in the reserve pool.

"It's really challenging to get back in the game. Besides worthy opponents, I'm constantly challenged by the lane conditions," added Hor.

National bowlers continued to dominate the top of the leaderboard for the Men’s Open division with 22-year-old Justin Teng in pole position with 978. Reigning National champion, Jason Yeong Nathan remained second on 952. Manila SEA Games Masters silver medalist and Busan Asian Games champion, Remy Ong took third spot with 937.

The lead changed hands as national bowler Evelyn Chan improved with 866 to move to the top followed overnight leader, Amanda Ng on 848. Early leader and ABF Tour TOC champion, Jennifer Tan and Alice Tay shared third spots with 844.

Qualifying will continue till Thursday 25th May and the Masters Finals will be held on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May over two blocks of 8 games each. The top 6 at the end of the finals will make the cut for the Stepladder Finals at 3.00pm.

Photos by Ms Tang Whai Yih, Council Member SBF.

21st May, Singapore: At the preliminaries of the Highest Bowling Ball Stack Challenge today, spectators held their breath as national bowlers Shaun Ng and Valerie Teo placed the eight ball on top of their vertical stack of bowling balls.

Rousing applause resounded at Victor’s Superbowl when their stack of eight balls remained standing for 1 minute and 2 seconds. With the highest stack so far, Shaun and Valerie looked set to move on to the finals on Tuesday 23rd May from 8.05pm to 8.45pm.

"We hope to exceed this record and top off the eight balls with the ninth ball at the finals," said Ng. Following closely behind this dynamic duo are fellow teammates Lee Yu-Wen and Evelyn Chan with 7 balls which remained standing for 2 minutes.

"We really hope top the stack with eight balls and enter our record into the Singapore Book of Records during the finals," said Lee.

The top 3 teams will battle it out for a total cash prize of $3000 in the finals. The champion team will walk away with $1,500, with the second and third team taking home $1,000 and $500 respectively.

Officials from the Singapore Book of Records will be there to witness the event. This exciting challenge has been successfully attempted for the Guinness World Record in Los Angeles in 1998 where David Kremer stacked 10 bowling balls vertically.

All participants in the 39th Singapore International Open will converge at the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday 23rd May from 6.00pm to 9.00pm and catch the finals of the Highest Bowling Ball Stack Challenge and BOWLinks Charity Bowl. Guest of Honour, Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State for Community Development, Youth & Sports, will grace the Opening Ceremony.

Meanwhile, Singapore national bowlers remained in the lead in the Men’s Open Masters qualifying table. Justin Teng, 22, took over the lead from overnight leader and reigning National champion, Jason Yeong Nathan, with an impressive score of 978 over 4 games.

Nathan dropped down to the second with 952, followed by Remy Ong with 937. The triple Busan Asian Games gold medalist almost overtook Nathan when he strung together 222, 267, 238 in his first three game but a 210 in the final game only saw his score, 15 pisn adrift.

National bowler and 2005 ABF Tour Malaysia leg champion, Amanda Ng moved up to the top of the Women's leaderboard with 848, pushing down teammate, Jennifer Tan and Alice Tay into joint-second on 844.

Photos by Ms Tang Whai Yih, Council Member SBF.

20th May, Singapore: Reigning Singapore national champion, Jason Yeong Nathan took over the lead with an impressive score of 952 over 4 games in the Men’s Open Masters qualifying of the 39th Singapore International Open at Victor's Superbowl.

Nathan, who won a silver medal in the Asian Youth Championship, posted 237, 234, 226 and 255 for the lead will by hoping to add another title to his already impressive performances since joining the national team.

"Will do my best and focus on my performance to continue this momentum over the next few days," said the 23-year-old. Top national bowler, Remy Ong, did well to take up the second spot with 937 ahead of teammate, Shaun Ng in third position with 901.

Newcomers to the Singapore Open, Peter Yoo and Choi K W topped the overseas pool with 822 and 747 respectively but may not be high enough to secure a Masters finals berth when the rest of the expected teams from neighbouring countries arrive Monday.

In the Women’s Open division, 27-year-old ABF Tour TOC champion, Jennifer Tan of Singapore continued to lead with 844. Fellow national bowler, Ong-She-Na, 19, followed closely behind Tan with 832. Sabrina Lim dropped down to the third position with 829.

Meanwhile, the exciting fringe event called the Highest Bowling Ball Stack was held at Victor’s Superbowl this afternoon with the highest vertical stack of 7 bowling balls held by national bowlers, Lee Yu-Wen and Evelyn Chan.

The inaugural event requires a team of 2 to vertically stack as many bowling balls as possible for a given time and the finals will will be held on the 23rd May with the winner taking home S$3,000.

Qualifying will continue till Thursday 25th May and the Masters Finals will be held on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May over two blocks of 8 games each. The top 6 at the end of the finals will make the cut for the Stepladder Finals at 3.00pm.

Photos by Ms Tang Whai Yih, Council Member SBF.

19th May, Singapore: Singapore National bowler, Jennifer Tan showed the way by leading the Ladies' Open Masters qualifiying table of the 39th Singapore International Open underway at Victor's Superbowl Friday evening.

The 27-year-old, fresh from her outstanding performance at Brunswick Euro Challenge in Greece, hopes to do well in this tournament. Tan, who also captured the ABF Tournament of Champions women's crown in January this year, took a break to work on her game and has come back with flying colors.

"I expect this tournament to be even more challenging this year with strong competitors from various countries. I hope to gain more momentum and do better over the next few days," said Tan.

National rookie, Sabrina Lim, did well to take up the second spot with 829 ahead of teammate and veteran Alice Tay in third position with 808. The 21-year-old Lim, who scored her first perfect game during last year's National championship has yet to win a title and hopes to break the ice.

In the Men's Open division, 23-year-old Chiam Yew Koon led with 837 and is hoping to do well in the finals to boost his confidence for the National Age Group Championships in June. Fellow national bowler, Derek Chan, 20, followed closely behind the leader with 808 in second while David Ong Soon Hock took third spot with 762.

Season campaigners and national bowlers like Remy Ong, Sam Goh, Lee Yu Wen and reigning National champion, Jason Yeong Nathan has yet to make their attempts and will surely make an impact.

The overseas participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Thailand will start to arrive from Monday onwards will give our local bowlers strong challenges in the qualifiying rounds which will end Thursday, 25th May.

The Masters Finals will be held on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May over two blocks of 8 games each. The top 6 at the end of the finals will make the cut for the Stepladder Finals at 3.00pm.

Photos by Ms Tang Whai Yih, Council Member SBF.