11th May, Manila: 2017 Asian School Team and All Events gold medallist, Merwin Tan of Philippines and Farah Nur Iman of Sabah, Malaysia bagged the Youth Boys and Youth Girls Masters titles at the PBF 2nd Philippine International Open on Friday.

Tan got off the block with a sizzling 245 to lead compatriot, GJ Buyco of BTA-Prima by 29 pins followed by 2017 Asian School Singles gold medallist, Kenzo Umali just one pin away in third. Buyco immediately took over the running after adding a superb 238 in his second game.

Tan was content to sit in second after posting 200 and Umali maintaining third position. Tan then fired another sizzling 245 to regain the lead as a third Filipino, Gospel Gahol of PBA-Nobleland moved into second position.

The leader rolled 200, 192, 213 and 220 but found himself trailing last year's Youth Boys Masters champion, Ivan Malig in the lead. Malig rolled 226, 212, 248 and 229 to go into the position-round match against Tan.

Malaysian debutant, Farah Nur Iman snatched the Youth Girls title with 1611 after beating leader, Dale Lazo, 257-192 in the position-round match. Lazo, who led from game 5 after the Malaysian had led from the start, settled for second with 1578.

Last year's Ladies' Associate champion, Noelle Campos finished third with 1539 despite losing to compatriot, Bea Hernandez, 195-199 in the final game. Hernandez and Cara Loh Wai Theng of Sabah, Malaysia rounded out the top five.

The champion picked up 35,000 peso with the first and second runenrs-up taking home 20,000 and 10,000 peso respectoively. Qualifying will end late tonight with the staging of the one-game desperado squad to add the three qualifiers for Round 1 finals.

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.