21st June, Petaling Jaya: Singles bronze medalist, Ethan Damien Goh of Malaysia A and Doubles silver medalist, Hazel Tan Wei Ming of Singapore B led the Boy's and Girl's Masters first block Masters Finals of the 23rd Asian Junior Tenpin Bowling Championships 2024 on Friday afternoon.

Goh won his opening game defeating team-mate Muhammad Danial Abu Samah 236-220 and a bonus of 10 pins to lead Chinese Taipei's Kuo Hong-Yi by 3 pins. Kuo beat Singles silver medalist, Chan Chun Lok, 234-162 for a 10 pins bonus.

The 17-year-old Malaysian two-hander had a total of five wins and three losses but roll all his games above 200 to end the block with 1837. Jovi Ma of Hong Kong A, who trailed Goh by just one pin before the last match, won six matches to finish second with 1828.

Singles silver and All Events bronze medalist, Ibrahim Al Moreikhi of Qatar A, also won six matches to take up third position with 1810. Wan Zarif Ikram of Malaysia A and All Events gold medalist, Aviel Chua Jun Jie of Singapore A completed the top five with 1776 and 1703 respectively.

In the girl's division, Singles gold medalist, Nura Salsabila Bte Zulkifli of Singapore A and Nur Ainul Hayat of Malaysia A shared the lead after winning their opening matches. The lead changed hands three times. Doubles silver medalist, Hazel Tan Wei Ning started to rack in five straight wins from game 4 to end the block in the lead with 1752.

Her compatriot, Ashley Victoria Lok finished second despite winning only four matches for a total of 1651 to give Singapore a one-two finish. Nur Ainul took third spot with 1638, also from six wins. Team gold and All Events silver medalist, Intan Nor Edryana Bte Nor Azliman of Malaysia A took fourth position with 1595 from four wins.

Doubles bronze medalist, Emily Hart of Australia A rounded out the top five with 1580 with five wins. The finalists will resume with their second block of seven matches and a position-round match tomorrow. The top 3 boys and top 3 girls with the highest total will proceed to the Stepladder Shootout finals.

Meanwhile, Singapore led the Overall medal tally with 4 gold and 1 silver. Malaysia trailed in second with a medal haul of 2-1-1. Australia is third with 1 gold and 1 bronze medal.