17th March, Kuwait: American PBA pro and top seed, Sean Rash claimed his maiden World Bowling Tour title after defeating challenger, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland, 234-201 in the title match of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait International Open.

Rash started the match with a double but Koivuniemi matched the American's stride with a double in the second and third frames. The top seed reeled in three strikes-in-a-row while the Finn could only spared his three subsequent frames.

A split from Rash in the seventh frame settled Koivuniemi when he struck thrice thereafter. Rash had another nasty split in the eight frame but managed to convert it to the delight of the large crowd which had gathered at Cozmo Bowling Centre to witness a world-class final.

Trailing by nine pins, Rash struck in the ninth frame to have some hope of wrapping up the tie in one match. Koivuniemi had to either strike or mark his tenth frame but rolled a big 6-pin split which he failed to spare ending with 201.

Rash took his time to line up his tenth shot and when he struck, the American shouted with delight knowing that he had finally nailed his first World Bowling Tour title. He rounded off with another strike in the 11th frame and a nine pin count for 234.

"I've been extremely unlucky not to have won a World Tour title," said the 27-year-old 2012 PBA Player of the Year from Montgomery, Illinois, USA, who has had at least eighth seconds and a dozen stepladder appearances in the tour.

"The first split was a bad luck and the second split was a poor shot. My Brunswick team-mate Tom Hess converted a similar one two days ago and I thought I gave it a try.

"Sparing the second split was crucial and when I struck in the tenth, it must have put pressure on my opponent. This is also my first international title after been to so many and I'm really looking forward to win more."

Koivuniemi had earlier edged defending champion and third-seed, Osku Palermaa 238-228 in an all-Finn semi-final match to earn a chance to claim a back-to-back title after winning the Kingdom of Bahrain Open last week.

Palermaa sailed past winner of the first match and fourth-seed, Sandra Andersson of Sweden, 279-176 to set up the match with his compatriot, Koivuniemi. Andersson ousted fifth-seed, Ronnie Russell of USA, 226-185 in the first stepladder match to advance.

Rash picked up the top prize of US$25,000 and 50 World Bowling Tour ranking points and Koivuniemi settled for US$12,000 as first runner-up. Palermaa earned US$8,000 for finishing third while Andersson and Russell took home US$6,000 and US$5,000 respectively.

In the earlier Women's stepladder finals, top seed Andersson trashed challenger and second seed, Tannya Roumimper of Indonesia, 278-172 to win an additional US$2,850.

Tannya, who rolled the tenth perfect game of the tournament when she beat Joline Planefors of Sweden, 300-209 in the first match, settled US$1,850 while Planefors earned US$1,400.

Earlier in Round 5 Modified Matchplay finals, Sean Rash topped the round with 3082 winning six matches. Koivnuiemi, who was leading before the position round match, finished second with 3062.

Palermaa took third spot with 3032 and Andersson survived a scare after rolling 165 in her final game but finished fourth with 2939. Russell clinched the fifth and final stepladder spot with 2934 edging out Martin Larsen of Sweden by 1 pin.

Rash rolled the eighth 300 during the Round 5 4-match stage and Palermaa shot the ninth 300 in the first match of the Modified Matchplay finals. Tannya got the tenth 300 in the first match of the Women's Stepladder finals.

Mr Kevin Dornberger, President of WTBA and FIQ presented the top prize to the champion accompanied by Sheikh Talal Al-Sabah, President of Asian Bowling Federation. Mr Kyohei Akagi, Honorary Life President of WTBA presented the second prize.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

16th March, Kuwait: Second seed, Moustafa Al Mousawi of Kuwait captured the Youth title of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait Iternational Open for the second time after he defeated top seed and 2010 champion, Aseel Roomi in the steplader final match.

The 14-year-old Mustafa, who first won the youth title in 2011, started off with four consecutive strikes to open up a small lead over top seed, Aseel Roomi, who had a double strike at the start and another double in frames 4 and 5.

Mustafa converted a spare in the fifrth frame before homing in on to the title with another double in the sixth and seventh frames while Aseel spared his sixth frame.

But Aseel had nothing to responds as the challenger romped home to a 268-222 win over his compatriot to win his second youth title and the top prize of US$1,000. Aseel settled for US$750.

The champion had earlier breezed past winner of the first match, Abdul Salam Darwish, 192-134 to face Aseel. Abdul Salam, who had beaten third seed, Abdul Aziz Salmeen 180-137 in the first match earned US$500 in third. Abdul Aziz collected US$300.

Mr Farouk Haridi, ABF Exco member presented the prize to fourth position. Mr Kyohei Akagi, Hon. Life President of WTBA gave the third prize.

ABF Vice President, Mr Choi Jang-Kyu handed the second prize while Ms Vivien Lau, Hon. Life President of ABF and FIQ secretary general presented the champion's prize.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

16th March, Kuwait: PBA pro Mika Koivuniemi of Finland rolled the tournament's seventh perfect game en-route to winning the high-scoring Round 4 finals of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait International Open on Friday evening.

Shaker Al Hassan of UAE and Thomas Larsen of Denmark shared the lead with each rolling 279 in their opening game with a second Emirati, Sayed Al Hashemi in third on 267. Sayed followed it up with another 267 in the second but his team-mate downed 256 to stay in front of the pack.

Ryan Lalisang, who had 279 in his second game, fired another 279 but was only third behind the two Emiratis after Shaker knocked down 255 and Sayed 258.

The Indonesian downed another 278 in the fourth to move into the lead, 47 pins ahead of Thomas Larsen, who shot 279, 226, 279 and 222, to take over second spot.

In this high-scoring condition, Shaker's 213 and Sayed's 201 in their fourth game saw them slipping down to third and fourth.

Meanwhile, newly-crowned Kingdom of Bahrain Open, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland had stayed with the leading pack with 247, 216, 249 and 258 before shooting the tournament's seventh perfect game to take over the running after the fifth game.

The lanky Finn closed out with 258 to win the round with 1528. Shaker bounced back with 238 and 269 to claim second position with 1510, 18 pins adrift.

Larsen downed another good game of 267 to finish third with 1494 while Lalisang could only finished with 213 and 219 to take up fourth with 1485.

Round 3 leader and third Emirati, Hussain Al Suwaidi was placed fifth with 1461 while the sole American to survive this round was Ronnie Russell in seventh with 1458.

Round 3 leader, Sandra Andersson of Sweden left it late with with 289 and 233 in her last two games to clinch the eighth and final spot for next round with 1452. Her compatriot, Joline Plainfors fired 266 in her last game but missed the cut by 17 pins.

Yannaphon Larpapharat, who was seventh before the final game managed only 204 and slipped down to tenth.

The top 8 advance to Round 5 finals tomorrow joined by Round 1 top 7 qualifiers for 4 games before proceeding to the Modified Matchplay finals with three players bowling against each other over 7 matches with pins carried forward.

Winner of each match will earn 20 pins bonus and the second highest scorer will earn 10 pins bonus while the loser has no bouns pins. The top 5 finishers will proceed to the stepladder finals.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

16th March, Kuwait: Five-time ABF Tour winner, Hussain Al Suwaidi of United Arab Emirates and Annop Arromsaranon of Thailand ruled Round 3 finals of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait International Open with a one-two finish.

The newly-crowned ABF Tour Bahrain leg champion wasted no time as he set a cracking pace with 280 in the opening game to lead fellow Asian, Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia by 30 pins and American, Tom Hess in third.

The pace-setter followed his superb start with two more big games of 269 and 268 for a 3-game series of 832 to open up a comfortable margin of 115 pins over the Indonesian, who continued to trail in second.

Hussain just paced himself nicely to end the round with 226, 223 and 235 for a record-breaking 6-game series of 1501 to win the round.

"The 280 really helped me to settle down very quickly," said the 29-year-old 2012 Asian CHampionship Doubles gold medalist from Dubai.

"And then when I rolled 269 and 268, I felt really comfortable. The lanes matched up to my style of play and I hope this can continue in the next round."

Annop, who finished second in the earlier Round 2, ended on a flourish in the second half with lines of 290, 267 and 247 to take second spot again with 1465 and to give Asian bowlers a one-two finish.

Venezuelean Ildemaro Ruiz Jr. stormed home with 233, 237 and 255 in his last three games to take third spot with 1433. Mohammed Al Saud of Saudi Arabia clinched fourth spot with 1404.

Thomas Larsen of Denmark survived another round after tieing fifth position Joline Plainfors of Sweden with 1395 while Lalisang ended in seventh with 1385 ahead of Round 2 leader, Sandra Andersson in eighth with 1380.

Colombian Jaime Gonzalez snatched the ninth and fninal spot with 1358 after a last high game of 248. American Tim Mack missed the cut by 3 pins after managing ony 203 in his last game.

Top 9 finishers from this round advanced to Round 4 joined by 7 qualifiers (positioned 8 to 14) from Round 1 for another 6 games in Round 4 finals later. The top 8 will advance.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

16th March, Kuwait: Sandra Andersson of Sweden upstaged her male counterparts by winning Round 2 finals of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait International Open at Comzmo Bowling Centre to advance into the next round.

The Swede did not get off the mark well managing only 193 in her opening game as perfect gamer, Mohannad Ibrahim set the early pace with a superb 266 to lead Denmark's Thomas Larsen by 9 pins.

Andersson got into her usual strides to roll 211 in the second game before nearly firing the tournament's seventh 300 but missed with 299. Her big game moved her up to just 1 pin behind pace-setter, Ildemaro RUiz Jr of Venezuela.

The 2012 European Bowling Tour ranked No. 2 closed out the second half of the round with 223, 256 and 237 to win the finals with 1459 taking advantage of the 5 pins handicap she received for each game.

"I started off poorly and had two bad breaks but luckily I could finish with 193", said Andersson. "Atfer that I was lucky and started to bowl good. The 299 gave me a lot of confident and I'm glad I made the cut. This has given me a lot of confidence to do well and hopefully I can keep advancing."

Thailand's Annop Arromsaranon stormed home with 279 and 259 to snatch second spot with 1439 while five-time ABF Tour winner, Hussain Al Suwaidi of UAE finished third with 1382.

Larsen took fourth spot with 1376 ahead of early leader Ruiz Jr in fifth on 1375. Perfect gamer, Rickle Kam of Hong Kong took sixth position with 1367 followed by sole Kuwaiti, Mohammed Al Ragebah with 1337.

A second Swedish lass, Joline Plainfors shot a big game of 259 to snatch the eighth and final spot to advance into the next round with 1331. Mohammed Janahi of Bahrain missed the cut by 27 pins on 1304.

The top 8 will be joined by the third bracket qualifiers (positions 15 to 22) for Round 3 finals at 1.30pm local time. The top 9 finishers plus the 7 second bracket qualifiers (positions 8 to 14) will proceed to Round 4 finals later this evening.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

15th March, Kuwait: PBA Player of the Year, Sean Rash topped the final Squad B of the day to secure third spot in the top bracket at the end of the qualifying block of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait International Open on Thursday evening.

Rash blizted the lanes at Cozmo Bowling Centre with a 269 opening game to extend his lead from 104 pins to 144 over fellow PBA pro, Ronnie Russell, who shot 276 to leapfrog from fifth to second.

But the PBA Player of the Year did not match up to his form displayed in the first and second blocks managing only 202, 208, 214 before finding some form to end on a higher 255 game for a 1148 series and to remain in pole.

Russell needed more stronger games to give himself a chance to crack into the top bracket but ended with just 1165 to trail Rash by 134 pins on 3494. Another American, Toby Sambueno managed 1104 to finish third with 3480.

Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia was on course to snatch a place in the top six after rolling 258, 237 and 235 but faded off with back-to-back 201s to end in fourth with 3473.

Tom Hess of USA, who was outside the top 34, registered the highest 5-game series of 1215 to secure a spot in the third bracket and earned one bye.

None of the top bracket contenders toppled the top 6 before the final squad. Yousif Falah of Bahrain topped the standings with 3788. Osku Palermaa of Finland took over second spot with 3697.

Rash slipped down to third with 3628 followed by the top female qualifier and Squad C leader, Tannya Roumimper of Indonesia in fourth with 3584. Martin Larsen of Sweden and Manuel Otalora survived to take up fifth and six positions.

Khaled Al Dubyyan earned the seventh position in the top bracket reserved for the top Kuwaiti qualifier. Mika Koivuniemi of Finland headed the second bracket (positions 8 to 14) with Russell squeezing into 14th.

Twice perfect gamer, Mansour Al Awami of Qatar headed the third bracket (positions 15 to 22) and Mohammed Al Saud of Saudi Arabia took 22nd position.

Hussain Al Suwaidi of UAE headed the fourth bracket (positions 23 to 34) while Mustafa Al Mousawi of Kuwait and Mohammed Janahi of Bahrain tied at 34th position with 3304 (220.27 average).

Basel Al Anzi, Rakan Al Amiri, Mohammed Al Ragebah and Yaqoub Al Shatti were the four top Kuwaiti qualifiers outside the top 34. The 16 qualifers in the fourth bracket plus the 4 top Kuwaitis will contest the 6-games Round 2 finals at 10.00am local time tomorrow.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

15th March, Kuwait: Overall leader, Yousif Falah of Bahrain widened his gap in the overall qualifying standings of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait International Open with another stunning performance to firm up pole position.

Yousif, who had 201 pins margin going into the third and final block, increased it to 206 with an opening game of 226 from Manuel Otalora of Colombia in second. The gap stayed the same after the second when both rolled 237.

Otalora narrowed the gap to 157 when the Colombian fired 279 in the third game but went back up to 196 pins after the fourth game when the Bahraini posted 237 and Otalora 198.

Yousif ended the block with 273 for a block series of 1203, his lowest of the three and a 15-game tally of 3788, an amazing average of 252.53.

Otalora, who needed a final game of 245 or more to squeeze into sixth position in the top bracket, knocked down 248 to end with 1184 and 3568 total securing that sixth spot in the overall standings.

Kuwait's Khaled Al Dubyyan finished third in this squad but failed to make the top 6 on merit. He is, however assured of a place in the top bracket as the top Kuwaiti qualifier taking up seventh spot.

PBA Player of the Year, Sean Rash of USA, who will complete his third block later this evening, sits in second based on an average 248. Defending champion, Osku Palermaa of Finland is third with 246.47 average.

Top female and Squad C leader, Tannya Roumimper of Indonesia claimed fourth place with 238.93 average followed by Sweden's Martin Larsen with 238.80 average. Otalora is sixth with 237.87 average.

Three players from Squad B, Toby Sambueno of USA, Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia and Tim Mack of USA has a chance to overhaul Otalora and Larsen for the fifth and sixth spots. PBA pro, Ronnie Russell of USA has a chance to make the second bracket (positions 8 to 14).

Mustafa Al Mousawi of Kuwait and Mohammed Janahi of Bahrain tied 33rd position on an identical score and average of 220.67. With one slot vacated by Khaled into the seventh position, Chris Loschetter of USA is the cut with 220.10 average.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

15th March, Kuwait: Europeans dominated Squad D in the third block of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait International Open qualifying rounds with Osku Palermaa of Finland, Martin Larsen of Sweden and Mika Koivuniemi taking the top 3 spots.

Defending champion and overnight squad leader, Palermaa kept his 90 pins cushion at the start of the third block over his fellow-compatriot, Koivuniemi as both rolled identical 247.

The leader picked up his pace with 252 in the second to stretch his lead slightly to 117 with Koivuniemi continuing to trail in second. Sweden's Martin Larsen place himself in contention for a top 6 finish after rolling 268 and 235.

The two-handed Palermaa determined not to let the lead slip away knocked down 235, 226 and ended strongly with 267 to take pole and crucially securing his place in the top bracket.

The Finn's total of 3697 and average of 246.47 placed him third in the top bracket behind current overall leader, Yousif Faah of Bahrain and PBA pro, Sean Rash of USA. Larsen finished second to Palermaa with 3582 and averaged 238.80 for fifth position in the top bracket.

The bitterly disappointed Koivuniemi, who finished third in the squad, felled down to ninth overall with his 237.47 average and out of the top bracket. He will be hopping that someone could slip up in their third block which could elevate him back into the top 6.

Squad C leader, Tannya Roumimper of Indonesia is fourth on an average of 238.93 while Larsen temporarily moved into fifth with an average of 238.80. Colombia's Manuel Otalora who averaged 238.40 to sit in sixth position.

Debutant, Toby Sambueno of USA headed the second bracket (positions 15 to 22) with 237.60, one above Koivuniemi. PBA pro, Chris Barnes of USA waill earn two byes by taking up tenth in the second bracket.

Shaker Al Hassan of UAE slipped down to head the third bracket with an average of 233.33 while Prince Mohammed Al Saud of Saudi Arabia headed the fourth bracket (positions 23 to 34) with 226.07 average. The cut at 34th position before the remaining two squads complete their third block is Kuwaiti youth, Mustafa Al Mousawi with 220.27.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

15th March, Kuwait: Overnight squad leader, Tannya Roumimper of Indonesia cracked into the top qualifying bracket of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwaiti International Open after another consistent display in the final block.

Tannya continued where she left off from the second block at the start of the third but saw her lead cut to 68 pins as the reigning AMF World Cup champion, Shayna Ng of Singapore overtook Joline Plainfors of Sweden to trail the Indonesian.

The leader rolled 200 and 225, 248 and nearly shot the tournament's seventh perfect game with 299 in the fourth game. Tannya completed her 15-game qualifying round with 1230 series for pole position on a total of 3584.

Ng finished a creditable second with the highest 5-game series of the squad on 1248 for a 15-game total of 3500.

Plainfors settled for third with 3375 while her compatriot, Sandra Andersson and Denmark's Thomas Larsen rounded out the top 5 with 3367 and 3311 respectively.

PBA pro Parker Bohn III of USA managed only 3263 to slipped from third overnight to ninth in the field.

Based on average, Tannya has cracked into the top bracket (positions 1 to 7) with 238.93 average. Yousif Falah of Bahrain still command the field with 258.50 while PBA Player of the Year, Sean Rash sits in second with 248.00 average.

Defending champion, Osku Palermaa of Finland is placed third with 247.00 average ahead of Tannya in fourth. Manuel Otalora of Colombia and Mika Koivuniemi of Finland occupied fifth and sixth.

Slot seven is reserved for the top Kuwaiti and looked set to go to Khaled Al Dubyyan on an average of 232.00. Shaker Al Hassan of UAE headed the second bracket (positions 8 to 14) with 237.00 average.

Discounting Khaled, Martin Larsen of Sweden headed the third bracket (positions 15 to 22) with 231.00 average while Hussain Al Suwaidi of UAE headed the fourth bracket (positions 23 to 34) with 225.10 average.

American PBA pro, Chris Loschetter is the cut at 34th position on 220.10 average. The final cut is expected to be around the 220 to 223 mark by the time the other three squads complete their final block.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

14th March, Kuwait: Defending champion, Osku Palermaa of Finland took over the lead in Squad D after the second block of qualifying rounds of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait International Open to move into the top bracket.

World Singles champion, Chris Barnes set the early pace with a sizzling 279 in the opening game of the second block as Kuwaiti youngster, Abdulrahman Suwaid and ABF Tour TOC winner, Yannaphon Larpapharat both shot 266.

First block leader, Shaker Al Hassan of UAE found his his gap reduced from 38 pins to 24 when newly-crowned Kingdom of Bahrain Open champion, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland closed in onto the leader.

Palermaa, who was sixth in the first block fired 244 and 279 in the first two games to take over the running with his fellow compatriot, Koivuniemi still in second.

Another high game of 278 allowed the two-handed Finn to pull away to a 60 pin lead over Koivuniemi before knocking down 224 and 267 to end the block with the highest 5-games series of 1292.

His fabulous effort gave him a 10-game total of 2470 and 90 pins from Koivuniemi, who managed 2380. Shaker settled for third in the squad with 2378 while his team-mate, Sayed Al Hashemi of UAE and Martin Larsen of Sweden completing the top 5 with 2328 and 2310.

Perfect gamer, Mansour Al Awami of Qatar bowled his second 300 of the tournament to take up sixth with 2304 while Hong Kong's Rickle Kam, who rolled the sixth 300, managed only 12th position.

With all the four squads having completed their two blocks, Yousif Falah sits comfortably in pole with 2585 followed by PBA Player of the Year, Sean Rash of USA in second with 2480.

Palermaa moved into the top bracket in third with 2470 pushing down Manuel Otalora of Colombia into fourth with 2470. Koivuniemi and Shaker finished fifth and sixth.

American debutant, Toby Sambueno slipped down to head the second bracket (position 8 to 14) with 2376 while Larsen headed the third bracket (position 15 to 22) with 2310.

Players will return to the lanes tomorrow for their third and final block of 5 games to complete the qualifying rounds over three days. Round 2 to 4 finals will be stage on March 16 and Round 5 and the Modified Matchplay finals on March 17.

The top 5 men will advance to the Men's stepladder finals while the top 3 women will take their place in the Women's stepladder finals.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

14th March, Kuwait: First block leader, Tannya Roumimper of Indonesia maintained her pole position in Squad C after the second block of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait International Open qualifying rounds to remain in the top bracket.

Tannya started off well with 213 and 228 in her first two games to stretch her lead from 74 pins to 129 pins as Parker Bohn III of USA moved up into second spot. Sweden's Sandra Andersson, who was second in the first block, dived down to sixth after a bad start.

The Indonesian lass scorched the lanes with a stunning 279 in the third game to widen her lead to 191 ahead of Joline Plainfors of Sweden taking over second spot.

Also making up grounds was reigning AMF World Cup champion, Shayna Ng of SIngapore after rolling 242, 222 and 216.

Tannya closed out the block with 200 and 187 to remain in the lead with 2354, 96 pins ahead of Plainfors in second with 2258. Singapore's Jazreel Tan registered the highest 5-game series of 1191 to leapfrog from 14th to eighth with 2162.

Ng posted the second highest series of 1188 to take up third in the squad with 2252 while Bohn III settled for fourth with 2218. Daphne Tan of SIngapore, who was fourth in the first block, slipped one spot down to fifth with 2197.

After three squads had completed their second block, Yousif Falah has 105 pins margin over PBA pro Sean Rash of USA. Yousif totaled 2585 and Rash 2480.

Colombia's Manuel Otalora took third spot with 2384 followed by American Toby Samhueno in fourth with 2376. Tannya and her compatriot, Ryan Lalisang finished fifth and sixth.

Perfect gamer, Tim Mack headed the second bracket qualifiers with 2340. Shayna Ng headed the third bracket qualifiers with 2252 while Sandra held top spot in the fourth bracket with 2175.

The cut at 34th position was held by Bahrain's Ahmed A. Jabbar with 2087. The next four places are reserved for the highest Kuwaiti qualifiers not in the top 34. Last squad of the day, Squad D will complete their second block late tonight.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

14th March, Kuwait: First block overall leader, Yousif Falah of Bahrain continued his stunning form to extend his lead atop the leaderboard of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwaiti International Open with a second block score of 1256 for a total of 2585.

Yousif got off the blocks with 257 to retain his gap over Ildemaro Ruiz Jr of Venezuela as Kuwaiti youngster, Mohannad Ibrahim rolled the tournament's fourth perfect game to move up to third.

The leader kept a blistering pace reeling in 223, 258, 269 and 248 to complete his second block of 5 games with 1256 and a 10-game total of 2585. Manuel Otalora of Colombia almost shot the tournament's fifth 300 but has to settle for 299 which helped him to take second spot with 2384, 201 pins behind Yousif.

Kuwait's Khaled Al Dubyyan finished third with 2320 while Ruiz felled to fourth with 2270. Otaloa's compatriot rounded out the top 5 with 2269.

Perfect gamer, Mohannad finished seventh with 2237 behind Basel Al Anzi in sixth position with 2268. With two squads having completed their two blocks, Yousif remained in the lead with Squad B leader, Sean Rash in second, 105 pins adrift.

Otalora claimed third spot while Toby Sambueno of USA slipped to fourth with 2376. Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia finished fifth with 2341 and Tim Mack of USA clinching sixth position with 2340.

Squad C and Squad D will complete their second block of 5 games at an earlier times of 4.00pm and 7.30pm local time. The third block will be bowled on March 15.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

14th March, Kuwait: Overnight squad leader, Sean Rash of USA added 1192 in his second block of 5 games for a 10-game total of 2480 to retained pole in Squad B of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait International Open.

The 27-year-old PBA Bowler of the Year reeled in 238, 258, 233, 210 and 253 to lead throughout the 5 games but saw his gap of 122 pins reduced to 104 after this block. Debutant, Toby Sambueno from Hawaii, USA took second spot with 2376 after posting the highest 5-games block of 1275.

Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia improved from fourth with 1206 to take up third on a total of 2341. Double perfect gamers, Tim Mack and Ronnie Russell of USA rounded the top 5 with 2340 and 2329 respectively.

Another American debutant, Jake Peters who was second in the first block, slipped down to sixth with 2245.

The players will resume with their third block of 5 games tomorrow in the fourth squad of the day. Squad A, Squad C and Squad D will bowl their second block in this order for the rest of Day 2.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

13th March, Kuwait: Tannya Roumimper of Indonesia took the last squad of the day to move into fourth overall in the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait International Open after four squads completed their first block of 5 games qualifying round on Wednesday.

Tannya got off the block with a sizzling 279 to lead Sandra Andersson of Sweden, who shot 256 to trail in second with American PBA pro, Parker Bohn III in third, a further 14 pins away.

Both Tannya and Andersson matched strides for strides but it was the Swede that got the better of the Indonesian lass after posting 248 in the third game to take over the running while Tannya rolled 225.

Tannya closed out with identical 239 in her last two games to end the block in the lead with 1222 and ironically, Andersson downed identical 192 to settle for second with 1148.

Bohn III took third spot with 1098, 10 pins ahead of the fast finishing Daphne Tan of Singapore with 1088. Denmark's Thomas Larsen finished fifth with 1082 and a further 2 pins came a second Swede, Joline Plainfors in sixth.

Squad A leader, Yousif Falah of Bahrain remained firmly in top spot in the overall leaderboard with 1329. Sean Rash of USA and Squad D leader, Shaker Al Hassan of UAE also retained second and third with 1288 and 1240.

Tannya moved into fourth ahead of Mika Koivuniemi of Finland in fifth spot with 1202. Martin Larsen of Sweden completed the top 6 with 1193 while the seventh position is reserved for the top Kuwaiti.

Third perfect gamer headed the second bracket (positions 8 to 14) with 1184. Basel Al Anzi of Kuwait headed the third bracket (positions 15 to 22) with 1164. Sayed Al Hashemi of UAE headed the third bracket (positions 23 to 34) with 1124.

Current cut after 5 games was Joline Plainfors of Sweden with 1080 in 34th position. Positions 35 to 38 are reserved for the 4 highest Kuwaiti qualifiers outside the above brackets.

The second block of 5 games will be contested tomorrow, March 14 and the third and final block on March 15 before the finals on March 16 and 17.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

13th March, Kuwait: 2012 ABF Tour Saudi leg champion, Shaker Al Hassan of UAE moved into third in the overall qualifying standings of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait International Open after topping the Squad D at Cozmo Bowling Centre.

Newly-crowned Kingdom of Bahrain International Open champion and winner of the first PBA-World Bowling Tour, Qatar Open 2012, Koivuniemi set the early pace with an impressive 276, 11 pins ahead of UAE's Sayed Al Hashemi in second.

The veteran Finn rolled another superb game of 266 to open up a slight gap over a second Shaker as the Emirati southpaw registered back-to-back 255 and 259.

Shaker quickened his pace with 275 in the third game to take over the running while Koivuniemi slipped down to second despite managing 200 and trailing by 47 pins.

The leader ended the first block with 213 and 238 for a 5-game total of 1240 to win the squad. Koivuniemi settled for second with 1202 while 2012 Kingdom of Saudi Open champion, Martin Larsen of Swedn finished third with 1193.

Qatar's Mansour Al Awami scored the tournament's third 300 in the fifth and 235 in his fifth game to take up fourth spot with 1184. Prince Mohammed Al Saud of Saudi Arabia rounded out the top 5 with 1179.

Defending champion, Osku Palermaa of Finland had an average start but stromed home with a superb 269 in the fifth game to finish sixth with 1178. World Singles champion, Chris Barnes took eighth behind Hong Kong's Rickle Kam in seventh.

Atfer three squads, Yousif Falah of Bahrain remained unchallenged at the top of the leaderboard with 1329 followed by PBA pro, Sean Rash of USA in second with 1288. The top 3 finishers in this squad finished third to fifth.

The final squad of the day will take to the lanes at 9.00pm local time for their 5-games first block. The combined scores of the four squads will give a good indication of the standard at this year's championship.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

13th March, Kuwait: PBA Player of the Year, Sean Rash of USA led the second squad of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwaiti International Open qualifying rounds by 122 pins from compatriot, Jake Peters but felled short by 41 pins behind Squad A leader, Yousif Falah of Bahrain.

Mahmoud Atef surprised the field when the Egyptian set the early pace with 252, 14 pins pins ahead of American debutant, Jake Peters in second with PBA pro, Sean Rash of USA in close company.

The Egyptian's lead lasted only one game as Rash fired a sizzling 280 to move into the front of the pack with Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia taking up second, 35 pins adrift.

The Amercian followed it up with 259, 237 and another big game of 279 to end the first block with 1288. But Rash's superb effort put him second overall after two squads have completed the first 5 games.

Jake Peters also ended strongly to clinch second spot with 1166 in this squad and fourth overall. Two Americans, Tim Mack and PBA pro, Ronnie Russell both rolled the tournament's first perfect games in the fifth.

Mack snatched third spot with 1160 and seventh overall. Lalisang took fourth spot with 1135 while Egypt's Mohammed Al Serafy completed the top 5 with 1130. Russell managed sixth with 1123.

Squad A leader, Yousif Falah remained atop the leaderboard after two squads with 1329 followed by Rash in second and Kuwait's Khaled Al Dubyyan third with 1175.

Two more squads remained today with Squad D bowling their first block of 5 games at 5.00pm local time and Squad C late this evening at 9.00pm. The second block will be contested tomorrow and the final third block on March 15.

Bowlers play three squads of 5 games in each block and a top of 38 players based on 15-games total will qualify for the finals over two days on March 16 and 17.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.

13th March, Kuwait: 2012 Asia Ranked No. 1, Yousif Falah of Bahrain topped the opening squad of the PBA-WBT #6 10th Kuwait International Open by a big margin of 154 pins over Kuwaiti, Khaled Al Dubyyan in second and Venezuelean, Ildemaro Ruiz Jr third.

Yousif set a cracking pace with a splendid 268 in his opening game as 17 bowlers took to the lanes for their first of three blocks over 5 games each. His compatriot, Fawaz Abdulla followed in second with 255.

The lanky Bahrain continued to set the fast pace and had lines of 259, 290, 255 and 257 for a stunning 1329 to take the squad. Khaled finished second, 154 pins adrift on 1175 while Ruiz Jr took third spot with 1165.

A second Kuwaiti, Basel Al Anzi was placed fourth with 1164 whie Colombia's Manuel Otalora rounded out the top 5 with 1140.

A total of four squads are scheduled with a maximum of 24 bowlers in each squad bowling 5 games at the 12-lane Cozmo Bowling Center at the Salmiya Shopping Mall.

The top 6 qualifiers together with the top Kuwaiti after three blocks will earn three byes to Round 5 finals. Qualifiers positioned 8 to 14 earn two byes to Round 4 finals and qualifiers positioned 15 to 22 earn one bye to Round 3.

Players are divided into four squads of 28 each and will bowl three blocks of 5 games each over the next three days. The Top 6 plus the top Kuwaiti qualifier will earn bye into Round 5 finals.

Qualifiers in positions 8 to 14 will advance automatically into Round 4 finals. Qualifiers in positions 15 to 22 will advance into Round 3 finals while qualifiers in positions 23 to 34 plus 4 Kuwaitis will have to contest Round 2 finals.

The field will be cut to 9 in each round and will be joined by the seeded qualifiers for the next round until the final Round 5. All players will play an additional 4 games before moving into the Modified Matchplay Round-Robin.

Qualifiers positioned 23 to 34 plus four highest Kuwaitis outside the above positions (16 bowlers) will contest the Round 2 finals on March 16 over 6 games. The field will be cut to 8 plus the third bracket qualifiers for another 6 games in Round 3 (16 bowlers).

The top 9 finishers in Round 3 plus the second bracket qualifers positioned 15 - 22 will bowl another 6 games in Round 4 (16 bowlers). The top 8 finishers plus the second bracket qualifiers position 8 to 14 will bowl 6 games in Round 4 finals.

The top 8 finishers in this round plus the top bracket qualifiers positioned 1 to 7 (15 bowlers) will bowl 4 games in Round 5 finals on March 17. All 15 players will then proceed to the 8-games Modified Matchplay finals with 20 pins bonus for win or 10 pins bonus for a draw.

The top 5 finishers will advance to the Stepladder finals over one match and the eventual champion will walk away with the top prize of US$25,000. The second placed finisher will earn US$12,000, third US$8,000, fourth US$6,000 and fifth US$5,000.

The 10th Kuwaiti International Open is the sixth leg of the PBA-World Bowling Tour 2013 and the top 50 players will earn ranking points for the Grand Finals.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Kuwait.