27th July, Bangkok: Ex-international, Hong Hae Sol of Incheon, Korea and Squad A leader, Sin Li Jane of Malaysia took over the Men's and Women's Open lead in the overall standings of the 47th MWA-Singha Thailand International Open after two blocks.

Hong Kong's Keith Mark had become the overall leader with 2290 in Squad C before the final Squad D took to the lanes for their second block of 5 games. Hong, who did not do well in his first block on 1117, notched up a much improved second block of 1186 to become the new leader with 2303.

Mark settled for second overall while overnight Block 1 leader, Putana Buspanikonkul of Thailand had a poor second block of 1040 to slip down to eighth with 2247. Squad B second block leader, Ahmad Aidil of Malaysia clinched third position in the overseas pool with 2287.

Singapore Open first runner-up, Yannaphon Larpapharat, who finished second to Mark in Squad C, headed the local pool with 2288. Putana settled for second while his elder brother, Napat Buspanikonkul snatched third spot with 2182.

Meanwhile, in the Women's Open division, reigning Singapore Open champion, Sin Li Jane of Malaysia, who topped Squad A with 2373 after the second block, remained the overall leader. Squad D second block leader, Charmaine Chang of Singapore claimed second in the overseas pool with 2171.

Jung Da Wun of Daejeon, Korea, who finished second to Chang, occupied third overall with 2167. Chawakorn Wutti led the local pool with 1965 followed by defending champion, Ramita Sarntong in second with 1893 and 2016 Thailand Open women's champion, Yanee Saebe in third with 1879.

The top 3 local Women's Open qualifiers and the top 3 overseas Women's Open qualifiers could skip Round 2 finals and advance automatically to Round 3. Squad B leader, Nerosha Keligit of Malaysia headed the Mixed pool in seventh position with 2163.

The cut in 22nd position went to Grace Gella of Philippines with 2018. The bowlers will resume with their third and final block of 5 games tomorrow. Round 2, Round 3 and the Stepladder finals will be held on July 29.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Bangkok, Thailand.