11th May, Manila: Singapore's Adam Chew clinched the Open Senior Masters title of the PBF 2nd Philippine International Open by just two pins while 70-year-old Vivian Padawan of BTA-Prima captured the Ladies' Senior crown.

Saudi debutant, Yasser Abdulreesh set a cracking pace with 252 and 224 in the first two games of the 10-game finals to open up a comfortable lead of 47 pins over Dennis Kelsey of Datbi, Philippines in second.

Yasser stumbled to a third game of 182 allowing Kelsey to narrow the gap to six pins. Francis Manalaysay of PSB rolled a big game of 258 to take up second as Yasser slipped down to third with Australia's Andrew Frawley following closely behind in fourth.

Kelsey followed his third game of 227 with 190 to take over the runnming with Manalysay staying close to his fellow-countrymen in second, 27 pins adrift. Yasser recovered with 197 and 220 to regain the lead while Adam Chew knocked down 259 and 222 to take up second, just 2 pins behind.

The 63-year-old Singaporean took over the lead with another superb game of 212 as Yasser managed only 167 to slip behind Manalaysay in second.

After the eight game, Chew who rolled 247, Manalaysay 220 and Yasser 216 were in title contention and pulling away from the other finalists. Chew held on to the lead despite posting 176 in the ninth game. The Filipino added 211 to reduce the gap to just one pin. Although Chew lost the tenth game position round 199-200 to Manalaysay, he had a 2-pin handicap to help him clinch the title with 2026.

Manalaysay settled for second position with 2024, 2 pins adrift while Yasser ended the strongest and beting Kelsey 220-204 to finish third with 2023, one pin shy of Manalaysay. Chew took home 100,000 Philippine peso (approx. US$1,900) as champion.

Meanwhile, Filipinas dominated the Ladies' Senior Masters finals claiming the top six positions. 70-year-old Vivian Padawan of BTA-Prima captured the crown with 1527, thanks to a 26-pin handicap per game.

Lina Labaguis of PSB finished second with 1513 while Ophie Iriberri of PSB took third spot with 1501. Rose Avena of PSB, Nelia Santos of PBA and Mely Lopa of TBAM-Cuisiniers completed the top six positions.

Former Philippine Olympic Committee secretary general, Mr Steve Hontiveros and PBF President, Mr Steve Robles were on hand to present the prizes to the winners of the Open Senior and Ladies Senior Masters winners.

The Youth Boys and Youth Girls Masters finals will be contested later today. Qualifying for all other divisions will continue after the Youth finals. Their Masters finals will be held on May 12 and 13.

The second edition of the new PBF Philippine International Open is sponsored by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and other sponsors including Boysen Paints, Smart Communications, Cafe Puro, Prima Pasta, The City Bowling Shop, Jollibee, The Bowler, Timberpro, Young’s Town Sardines, Vectron Trade Corporation, Black Arrow Express and Fujihaya LS.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Manila.

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