2nd June, Singapore: Malaysians dominated the 46th Singapore International Open with Sin Li Jane re-capturing the Women's Open crown and Adrian Ang winning the Men's Open Masters title at Orchid Bowl @ OCC on Saturday.

Four-time national champion and winner of multiple international titles, Shalin Zulkifli of Malaysia topped the final standings to advance as top seed while 2010 Women's Open champion, Sin Li Jane took the last spot in fourth.

In the first match, Jazreel struggled to get going but Ng did put up a gallant fight as Jane set the lanes ablazed to beat the two Singaporeans, 236-200-170 and faced the top seed in an all-Malaysian finals.

Shalin took an early with a double strike in the second and third frames as Jane had three opened frames mid-way through the match.

But a single-pin miss in the fifth frame proved costly when she narrowly lost the match 190-192 for a sudden-death decider. Another two single-pin misses decided the match and the title in favour of Jane as she came home with 193 to beat Shalin with 146.

"I was quite confident in the first match because I'm good on fresh oil," said the 21-year-old 2010 champion and 2012 Asian Championship Singles gold medalist, Sin Li Jane.

"When I had three opened frames, I thought I had the title slipped away but I did not give up and managed to roll three strikes and another two toward the end. I had a much better match in the decider and when I saw Shalin struggled, I knew I had won my second Singapore Open title."

Meanwhile, Malaysian completed a grand double when another fourth seed, Adrian Ang defeated overnight leader and compatriot, Kang Bo Long to end a two-year title drought.

But the victory did not come easy having to go the second deciding match. Ang easily beat Kang, 191-166 in the first match and had another easy victory in the decider, 197-171.

The champion beat team-mate and second seed, Rafiq Ismail and Singapore's Keith Saw, 216-192-157 to face Kang in another all-Malaysian title match.

"I had an aweful injury to my ring finger and it took me nearly two years to fully recover," said the 25-year-old winner of the 2010 Asian Games Doubles. "It was a painful recovery but I'm glad to get back to winning form again.

"Kang has been bowling great the past two days and I knew it wasn't going to be easy to try and wrestle the title away from him. I hope my performance will help me secure a spot in the Malaysian team for this year's World Championship in Las Vegas."

Ang won S$20,000 (approx. US$15,800) as champion while Kang settled for S$10,000. Rafiq received S$7,500 for finishing third while Keith took home S$4,500.

Sin Li Jane won S$6,000 (approx. US$4,750) as champion with Shalin earning S$3,000. Shayna collected S$1,500 for finishing third and Jazreel settled for S$1,000.

Mr Richard Seow, Chairman of Singapore Sports Council and Mrs Jessie Phua, President of SingaporeBowling were on hand to present the trophies and prizes to the winners.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

31st May, Singapore: Malaysians dominated the Men's Open Round 1 Masters finals of the 46th Singapore International Open with Kang Bo Long leading fellow compatriots, Rafiq Ismail and Timmy Tan in second and third.

Malaysian southpaw and 2010 Asian Games two gold medalist, Alex Liew got off the mark with a scintillating 268 in his opening game to share the lead with Chinese Taipei's Teng Jui-Pu, 21 pins ahead of another Malaysian, Timmy Tan in second.

Liew kept the lead with another respectable game of 212 as Tan closed the gap by reducing the margin to 17 pins while Malaysian ex-international, Kang Bo Long stayed close to the leading duo a further 4 pins adrift.

But American and former two-time winner of the Singapore Open, Tim Mack surged into the lead after rolling a big game of 258 in the third forcing Tan and Kang to share second spot.

The two Malaysians then got through games 4 to 6 battling fiercely for the lead with a fourth Malaysian, Adrian Ang and fifth Malaysian, Rafiq Ismail trading second spot.

By the seventh game, it was clear that Kang was the more consistent of them all as he reeled in 222, 270 and 239 to open up a gap of 74 pins from the recovering American taking over second spot.

The leader eased off with 181 in the drying lane condition to end the block with 2266, 51 pins ahead of the fast finishing Rafiq in second with 2215. Tan clinched third spot with 2209 while Mack slipped to fourth with a poor 172 in the last game.

"I'm glad to be able to maintain my consistency throughout this block except for the fifth game and the last game," said the 28-year-old pro shop supervisor, Kang Bo Long.

"The lane condition today is very tricky and I could see that a lot of good bowlers were struggling. It's important to do well when the pins are carried forward to tomorrow's 6 games second block.

"I'll continue to do what I did today and hopefully I can maintain my score which will allow me to make the top 4 stepladder finals."

Adrian Ang rounded out the top 5 with 2137 while Singapore's best performer was Joel Tan in sixth position with 2110 ahead of his team-mate and top local qualifier, Keith Saw seventh with 2109.

Early leader, Liew, Thailand's Dechochai Tinjiratip and desperado top qualifier, Syimir Abdul Razak completed the top 10 with 2104, 2100 and 2067 respectively. Defending champion, Hong Hae-Sol had a torrid time managing a lowly 39th position out of 42 finalists.

The men will resume with their second block of 6 games tomorrow and the top 4 finishers will advance to the stepladder shootout finals which will be video streamed Live.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

30th May, Singapore: Shayna Ng completed the Women's Open Round 1 Masters finals of the 46th Singapore International Open by finishing first ahead of two strong Malaysian opponents, Shalin Zulkifli and Esther Cheah in second and third.

Not the best of start for Shayna though when she managed only 154 and 186 in her two opening games as team-mate, Joey Yeo Ruoqi took an early lead before Malaysia's four-time national champion, Shalin Zulkifli moved into the front.

Shalin's lead lasted only one game as Jun Gwi-Ae of Daejeon Metropolitan City, Korea surged ahead of the pack followed by another Malaysian, Esther Cheah trailing by 17 pins in second.

The Korean continued her relentless pace and kept the lead until Shayna recovered from her slow start to fire 226, 242, 256, 224 and 231 in her nixt five games to grab the lead.

The Singaporean rounded off a superb round with 216, 222 and 234 for the 10-game total 2191. Jun faded off to finish fifth while Shalin clinched second spot with 2139, 52 pins adrift.

"I had a poor start and even though I made changes thereafter, I still couldn't get going well," said the 23-year-old Shayna who stunned the world by capturing the 2012 AMF World Cup in Poland last year.

"I made more changes and checked my timing and fortunately, I managed to knocked down good games to haul myself back into contention. The lanes are quite tricky tough and with so many good Malaysians and Koreans here, I have to be on my toes tomorrow if I were to do well.

"My last stepladder appearance was in 2007 but did not progress after the first match. I'm determined to do well and hopefully I can make it through all the way," added Shayna.

2012 Hong Kong Open and Daejeon Open champion, Esther Cheah stayed closed with the leaders to finish third with 2074 followed by a third Malaysian, Zandra Aziela fourth with 2068.

Pace-setter, Jun ended in fifth position with 2065 while three-time Collegiate Bowler of the Year, Jazreel Tan of Singapore, 2012 Thailand Open champion, Kim Min-Hee of Daejeon, Korea and Bernice Lim of Singapore taking up sixth to eighth positions.

Other Singaporeans, Daphne Tan, New Hui Fen and Geraldine Ng finished 11th to 13th while 13 other Singapore women struggled in this round. The bowlers will resume with their second round over another 6 games before cutting down to just the top 4 advancing to the stepladder finals.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

30th May, Singapore: 2013 Thailand International Open champion, Kim Min-Hee of Daejeon Metropolitan City, Korea stormed into the lead of the Women's Open overseas qualifying pool of the 46th Singapore International Open on Thursday.

Kim, who trailed leader Esther Cheah by just 6 pins, improved her lower 647 series with 677 for a 6-game tally of 1358 for the lead. Cheah settled for second with 1334 ahead of four other team-mates occupying positions three to six.

Filipino, Lara Posadas of Team Bowlmart finished seventh with 1293 while Kim's team-mate, Sung Gyeoung Eun finished eighth with 1282.

Three-time Collegiate Bowler of the Year and runner-up in 2011, Jazreel Tan stormed into third spot in the local pool with an improved 1328 total. Cherie Tan and New Hui Fen remained first and second with 1413 and 1362.

Kim's team-mate, Jun Gwi-Ae topped the mixed pool with 1251 while Indonesia's Elsa Maris Husin is the cut in 9th position with 1230.

Meanwhile Suresh Elangovan, who finished twice second runner-up in the Youth Boys Masters, leapfrog into second position behind leader and team-mate, Keith Saw with 1353.

The 20-year-old member of Singapore's national development squad improved his lower series of 614 to 671 to move out of 13th position in the local pool while Benjamin Hong slipped down to third in the table with 1353.

Zulmazran Zulkifli of Malaysia also retained in top spot in the overseas pool with 1445 followed by Dechochai Tinjiratip of Thailand in second and 17-year-old Malaysian sensation, Rafiq Ismail in third with 1397 and 1395 respectively.

Several big movers in today's highly contested qualifying rounds were Indonesia's Rangga Yudhira in fifth with 1389, Malaysia's Kang Bo Long in sixth with 1387, Thailand's Surasak Manuwong in seventh with 1366.

Also making headway is Chinese Taipei's Teng Jui-Pu in eighth with 1364. Current cut in the local pool is held by Nicholas Lee with 1303 and the cut in the overseas pool is held by Fachri Ibnu Askar of Indonesia with 1334.

Cheng Hsing-Chao of Chinese Taipei headed the mixed pool with 1333 while the cut in in 12th position went to Malaysia's Adrian Ang with 1287.

The top 10 local women qualifiers, top 10 overseas women qualifiers and the top 9 women qualifiers from the mixed pool will contest the two blocks of 10 games finals on May 31 and June 1.

Likewise, the top 13 local men, top 13 overseas men, top 12 men qualifiers from the mixed pool, top 3 from the desperado squad and defending champion will also contest the two blocks finals.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

29th May, Singapore:Singapore's national bowler, Keith Saw will be vying for his first international title after a splendid qualifying effort to lead the Men's Open Masters local table of the 46th Singapore International Open on Wednesday.

Keith, who tasted international success after winning the 2012 Asian Championship Singles gold medal in Hong Kong, came close to winning his first open title in March when he finished second in the 2012 Malaysian International Open.

Juggling between his tight study schedule, the 18-year-old managed to find time last weekend to reel in a superb 695 series in his fourth attempt. But a few more tries did not improved his standings by Sunday.

On Tuesday morning, Keith made his eight attempt to knock down a splendid 701 series to take his 6-game tally to 1396 which was good enough to move into top spot in the local qualifying pool.

"It's difficult when you have to juggle between your studies and the sport you love so much," said Keith, when interviewed this evening. "Luckily on Tuesday, I made an attempt and was able to match up to the lanes well.

"The field is less strong this year and I believe this is due to the fact that many teams are busy preparing for the Asian Indoor Games in July. Nevertheless, competition won't be easy.

"There are still stiff competition from Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE and USA. I'm quietly confident of doing well and hopefully I can become the first Singaporean to re-capture the Men's crown since 2006."

Benjamin Hong, who led in the early rounds, slipped down to second with 1353 while Keith's younger brother, Howard Saw impressed by taking up third position with 1348.

Overnight leader and strong title contender, Zulmazran Zulkifli of Malaysia remained in the lead of the overseas pool with 1445 ahead of Thai youngster, Dechochai Tinjiratip finished second with 1397.

Malaysian sensation and 17-year-old Rafiq Ismail moved up to third with 1395 followed by two of his team-mates, Alex Liew and Isaac Russell Paul rounding out the top 5 with 1394 and 1347 respectively.

2004 Singapore Open, Tim Mack of USA, who has just completed his coaching stint in Bahrain, did well to take up sixth position with 1328 while defending champion, Hong Hae-Sol, who earned an automatic entry into the finals, remained a strong contender as well.

Meanwhile, there were no major changes in the qualifying table of the Women's Open local and overseas pool. 2008 champion, Cherie Tan continued to lead the local standings with 1413.

New Hui Fen sit comfortably in second with 1362 followed by 2012 AMF World Cup and 2013 DHC International Open champion, Shayna Ng in third with 1324.

Malaysian women continued to remained a strong force having taken the top 5 positions in the overseas pool with Esther Cheah leading the charge with 1334. Five-time national champion, Shalin Zulkifli and Jacqueline Sijore completed the top 3 with 1325 and 1312.

Keen challenges will also come from bowlers from Daejeon Metropolitan City, Korea especially this year's Thailand Open champion, Kim Min-Hee and Team Bowlmart's Lara Posadas of the Philippines.

Qualifying will continue for another day tomorrow and those who made the cut for the finals will bowl first block of 10 games on May 31 and second block of 6 games on June 1. The top 4 men and top 4 women will then advance to the stepladder finals.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

27th May, Singapore: Malaysian national bowlers stamped their mark at the on-going qualifying rounds of the 46th Singapore International Open as Zulmazran Zulkifli and Esther Cheah topped the Men's and Women's Open standings on Tuesday.

Zulmazran, three-time winner of the Malaysian Open in 2012, 2009 and 2008, has never made the stepladder finals of the Singapore Open thus far. After a slow start in his first two attempts, the 29-year-old eventually found his line to reel in 759 and 686 to move into pole position with 1445.

"I've never had the luck needed to do well here but I'm all pumped up for this time," said Zulmazran. "There has been a lack of tournaments bowled this year and it is championships like this one that can really tuned us up.

"But doing well in the qualifying rounds don't count much as the finals is more important. I'm determined to turn around my luck and hopefully will make the stepladder finals."

Thai youngster, Dechochai Tinjiratip, who led briefly before the 6.00pm squad, slipped down to second after improving his 6-game tally to 1397. Malaysian sensation and 17-year-old, Rafiq Ismail took up third with 1395.

A third Malaysian, Alex Liew notched up impressive series of 708 and 688 to take up fourth with 1394 while 2004 Singapore Open, Tim Mack of USA rounded out the top 5 with 1328.

Over in the local pool, 2012 Malaysian Open first runner-up, Keith Saw stole the limelight after taking over the lead in the standings with 1396. Overnight leader, Benjamin Hong settled for second with 1353.

Keith's brother, Howard Saw also impressed with 1348 to finish third as Basil Low and Marcus Leong completed the top 5 with 1339 and 1334 respectively.

Muhd Jaris Goh of Singapore headed the mixed pool with 1285 while the current cut at 12th position is held by Chinese Taipei's Chen Hung-Chih with 1232.

Malaysian women dominated the women's division by occupying the top 5 positions of the overseas pool. 2012 Hong Kong Open and 2012 Daejeon Open champion, Esther Cheah headed her team-mates with 1334.

Shalin Zulkifli took second spot, 9 pins behind Esther with 1325 followed by 2011 Women's World Championship gold medalist, Jacqueline Sijore third with 1312. Another three-time Malaysian Open champion, Zandra Aziela finished fourth with 1306 as Siti Safiyah completed the top 5 with 1301.

2013 DHC International Open, Cherie Tan remained in the lead of the local pool with 1413. Her team-mates, New Hui Fen and 2013 DHC International Open champion, Shayna Ng also remained second and third with 1362 and 1324.

Cecilia Yap of the Philippines is the current cut at ninth position in the mixed pool with 1191 as Syaidatul Afifah of Malaysia topped the mixed pool with 1238.

Qualifying for the Open division will continue for another two days and the first Masters finals will be contested tomorrow morning for the Men's Graded B and Women's Graded and in the evening for the Men's Graded A.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

27th May, Singapore: 2008 Champion, Cherie Tan eyeing to re-capture the Women's Open Masters crown for Singapore after topping the qualifying standings of the 46th Singapore International Open underway at Ochird Bowl @ Ochird Country Club.

After winning the title in 2008, Tan came close to retaining the crown but had to settle for fourth position after losing the first match despite making the stepladder finals in third.

Her team-mate, New Hui Fen also came close to bringing back glory for the island but was content with third in 2010. The closest since Cherie's victory was when three-time Collegiate Bowler of the Year, Jazreel Tan finished second in 2011 to American Kelly Kulick.

Last year, Kristel Oh was Singapore's best chance but again lost the first match to finish fourth. Cherie did stunned the world when she defied all odds to bag her biggest victory by capturing the 2011 DHC International Open in Japan.

Cherie rolled 742 and 671 for a 6-game aggregate of 1413 to lead New Hui Fen in second with 1362. 2012 DHC International Open and 2012 AMF World Cup champion, Shayna Ng took third spot with 1324.

ABF Tour Thailand 2013 leg champion and ex-international, Wendy Chai and her compatriot, Sharon Koh were the early Malaysians to make their attempts. The duo led with 1182 and 1054.

Meanwhile, 2013 Thailand Open Men's Graded A champion, Benjamin Hong took over the lead from early leader, Howard Saw with 1353 in the Men's Open local pool after the Singapore ex-international posted 702 and 651.

Howard slipped down to second with 1348 after having led the standings since May 24. Basil Low finished third with 1339 ahead of Commonwealth Championships two gold medalist, Javier Tan in fourth with 1332.

Cheah Ray Zen of Malaysia topped the overseas pool with 1313 followed by the Thai trio of Phumin Klanbida, Dechochai Tinjiratip and Peerawich Rungcharoen in second to fourth with 1309, 1267 and 1265 respectively.

The top 13 local men qualifiers, top 13 overseas men qualifiers, top 12 men qualifiers from the mixed pool together with four from the desperado squad will contest Round 1 finals on May 31 and Round 2 on June 1.

The top 10 local women qualifiers, top 10 overseas women qualifiers and top 9 women qualifiers from the mixed pool will contest Round 1 finals on May 31 and Round 2 on June 1.

The top 4 men and top 4 women will advance to the stepladder shootout finals which will be video streamed LIVE. Qualifying for the Open division will end late Thursday, May 29.

Photos courtesy of SingaporeBowling.