26th June, Macau: Singapore's Nu'man Syahmi topped the Men's Open Masters qualifying rounds of the 2024 Macao China International Open Bowling Championships while last year's first runner-up, Yuri Sato of Japan led the Women's Open division.

Nu'man had three previous attempts but struggled to find an ideal line to reel in the scores he needed. On his third attempt, the Singaporean rolled 199, 276 and 235 for a superb 710 series. He then went on to make his fifth try and got off brilliantly with 269, 215 and rounded off with a good 235 for a 718 series.

His 6-game tally of 1428 was enough to beat overnight leader, Ivan Tse of Hong Kong, China by 35 pins to become the new leader. If Nu'man can remain at least in the top 3, he will earn a crucial bye and skip Round 1 finals. Tse settled for second with 1393.

A second Singaporean, Timothy Tham amassed a 6-game aggregate of 1390 to take up third spot in the overseas pool table, joining his compatriot and Tse as the top 3 qualifier.

Lam Iek Long was the other qualifier to surpass the 1400-mark. Lam amassed a 6-game aggregate of 1444 to seal top spot in the local pool. 2019 Macao-China Open first runner-up, Lee Tak Man took up second spot with 1357. Lei Hok Hin joined the duo in third with 1333.

The top 3 will also earn a bye and automatically advance to Round 2 finals scheduled on Saturday, June 29. 2011 Macao-China Open second runner-up, Michael Mak of Hong Kong, China headed the Mixed pool with 1323 while the current cut in 12th position went to Lin Yue Liang of Chinese Taipei with 1278.

Last year's first runner-up, Yuri Sato of Japan headed the overseas pool of the Women's Open division with a 6-game tally of 1239. Overnight leader, Gigi Leung of Hong Kong, China is second just 2 pins adrift with 1237. Kim So Hee of Korean National Sports University finished third with 1222.

Lou Si Hang is the overall leader as she topped the local pool with 1327. So Cheng Lam, who finished second in last night's Macao Cup Masters, occupied second spot with 1247 followed by Li Qing in third with 1246. Qualifying will continue through to June 27 and the finals on 29 and 30.