26th July, Bangkok: Nevern Netaneel of Malaysia and Wang Yu Huei of Chinese Taipei shared joy at the 47th MWA-Singha Thailand International Open after topping Squad B of the first block of qualifying round.

The Malaysian got off to a cracking start with a scintillating 275 to lead Singapore's Nathan Yong and Vietnam's Vu Huu Chien by 55 pins in joint second. Another strong 222 from Nevern increased the gap to 66 pins, ahead of Chinese Taipei's Xu Zhe Jia moving into second.

Despite a moderate 187 in the third game, the leader went on to end the block with 225 and 231 to top the squad with 1140. Nevern's compatriot, Ahmad Aidil stormed home with 234, 215 and 257 to snatch second position with 1111.

Chen Kuan Yeh of Chinese Taipei finished third with 1096 followed by the best Thai, Supakrit Wantasuk in fourth with 1004. Xu rounded out the top 5 with 994. Nevern's score only put him third behind Squad A leader, Hardy Rachmadian of Indonesia, who totaled 1148 and team-mate, Ahmad Muaz in second with 1147.