5th September, Bangkok: Michael Mak of Hong Kong and Sin Li Jane of Malaysia topped the opening squad of the Men's and Women's Open Masters qualifying rounds at the 46th MWA-Singha Thailand International Open on Monday morning.

Ernest Kwok of Hong Kong had a cracking start with a stunning 279 to lead team-mate Mak by 32 pins followed by Malaysia's Timmy Tan a further three pisn away in third. Kwok was quick to lose his lead after an average 197 in the second game.

Mak, added a strong 258 to his 247 opener to take over the running while Tun Hakim of Malaysia moved into second spot ahead of a third Hong Kong national, Ivan Tse in third and Kwok slipping down to fourth.

The leader kept his strong pace with back-to-back 247 and 249 in his next two games to open up a gap of 42 pins. Tse rolled another 258 and 224 to stay in second with Tun Hakim remaining in third spot. Mak ended his first block in style with another superb 258 to win the squad with 1255.

In the women's open division, Sin Li Jane had a slow start with 182 as 31st SEA Games Team silver medallist, Nerosha Keligit of Malaysia led with 247 followed by Faten Najihah of Malaysia in second. Sin got her momentum going in the second game with a superb 247 to move into second.

Keligit continued to lead the field despite adding only 202 in her second game. A third Malaysian, Natasha Roslan was third, a further three pins away.

Sin then scorched the lanes with a sizzling 276 to take over the lead. Roslan kept close in second with 248 as Keligit slipped down to third. The leader then rounded off a good first block with 211 and 202 to win the squad with 1118.

Roslan finished second with 1103 while 31st SEA Games Team silver medallist, Nora Lyana Natasia of Malaysia claimed third position with 1054. Siti Safiyah Amirah and Keligit completed the top five with 1033 and 1024 respectively.