29th September, Singapore: 2004 PBA Bowler of the Year, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland and Zatil Iman of Malaysia, clinched the Men's and Women's Open Masters titles of the 40th Singapore International Open at Velocity@Novena Square Shopping Centre.

Singapore Bowling Federation went into the record books being the first to stage a tenpin bowling finals at the shopping centre that was telecast LIVE on ESPN. Almost 2,000 spectators had gathered as early as 4.00pm on Saturday to await the grand finale which was scheduled to commence at 5.30pm.

Mika Koivuniemi, who hit a perfect game during his qualifying rounds three days ago, ended the hopes of a Malaysian double as he edged, Daniel Lim, 235-224 in the Men's title stepladder match.

Lim, who was seeded sixth after the second block finals contested earlier at Superbowl SAFRA Mount Faber, took the first match by knocking out teammate, Aaron Kong and Singapore's Carl de Vries, 257-210-195.

The Malaysian ended the hopes the large local crowd at Velocity@Novena when he ousted second-seed, Remy Ong of Singapore and overnight leader, Somjed Kusonpithak of Thailand, 205-172-177 in the second match to earn a crack at the title.

In the crucial title finale, Lim opened accounts four bagger but suffered a split in the fifth frame. Koivuniemi started cautiously but picked up his pace with five strikes in a row to put the pressure on Lim. When the Finn ended the match with 235 and forcing Lim to strike out in order to tie the match. But luck was not with the Malaysian as he finished with 224.

"To bowl and win the title at this shopping centre in front of the large crowd is quite an experience for me," said the lanky Finn after his triumph. "Although I've won the Santa Claus title 3 years ago here in Singapore, winning the Singapore Open in this surrounding is a completely different and satisfying feeling.

Meanwhile, Asian Youth Masters silver medalist and top-seed, Zatil Iman claimed her first-ever international title when she edged teammate, Sharon Koh in the all-Malaysia women's title match, 237-216.

Sharon, who won the second stepladder match by knocking out third-seed, Cherie Tan of Singapore and Tannya Roumimper of Indonesia, 231-215-164, started the final match with a spare and four bagger to take an early lead.

But after two frames, the 18-year-old Zatil stepped up her pace to reel 5 strikes in a row forcing Sharon to make a small mistake with a split in the eighth frame. Zatil went on take the match and clinched the victory.

"This is a precious moment I'll cherish for a long time to come after taking my maiden international title," said the 18-year-old UTIM student. "The changes made by coach Holloway has made a lot of difference and finishing second in the Asian Youth Masters finals has given me a lot of confidence.

His Honorable Singapore Minister of Defence, Teo Chee Hean presented the Singapore Book of Records Certificate to SBF and FIQ President, Mrs Jessie Phua for being the first to stage the stepladder finals on two purpose-built lanes at the shopping complex.

Photos by Terence Yaw for SBF.

28th September, Singapore: Malaysia's Zatil Iman and Wendy Chai shared the lead in the first block of the Women's Open Masters finals of the 40th Singapore International Open Friday evening but with less than 50 pins separating the top 6.

2005 National champion, Jasmine Yeong-Nathan took an early leady up to the halfway mark when the pace got too hot for her to handle and eventually finished a creditable fourth, just 24 pins from the joint leaders, Zatil Iman and Wendy Chai of Malaysia.

Newly-crowned ABF Tour Hong Kong leg champion and current Asian Ranked No. 1, Kim Eun Jung of Korea opened account with a superb 280 in the opening game, 12 pins ahead of Singapore's Jasmine Yeong-Nathan in second.

Jasmine then knocked down 236, 233 and 245 to take over the lead from game 2 onwards with Malaysia's Sharon Koh hot on her heels just 5 pins adrift. Malaysia's Zatil Iman then fired a 256 to take over the lead from Sharon after the fifth game.

Zatil continued to lead while two-time Singapore Open champion, Wendy Chai made her move going after the top 3 leaders with 279, 222 and 246 in the fifth to seventh games whle Sharon Koh also kept close to Zatil.

Apart from Zatil ending on a 201, Wendy posted 279 to draw level at 1849 to share pole position in the first block. Kim knocked down 244 to claim third spot with 1829 while Jasmine did well to bring home a 239 to clinch fourth on 1825.

Sharon dropped to fifth on 1807, just 1 pin ahead of Geraldine Ng in fifth with 1806. With less than 50 pins separating the top 6, the second block promises to be hotly contested for a place in the stepladder finals.

The women will continue their second at 12.00 noon after the men commence their second block at 9.00am Saturday, September 29.

Photos by Terence Yaw for SBF.

28th September, Singapore: Scores went through the roof as bowlers took to the lanes at Superbowl SAFRA Mount Faber for the Men's Open Masters first block of the 40th Singapore International Open with Thailand's Somjed Kuonpithak leading the pack.

Mika Koivuniemi of Finland, set an early pace for the first 3 games of the 8-game block but was soon overtaken by Somjed Kusonpithak, who went on to top Stage 1 ahead of Singapore's Remy Ong and Koivuniemi in second and third.

Two back-to-back high games of 269 and 276 moved the Thai to the lead after the third and fourth games with Malaysia's Daniel Lim closely behind after Lim hit the tournament's fifth perfect game.

High scores continued to dictate the block as 7 consecutive strikes annoucements were made over the PA system at every game. The leader, Somjed came close to hitting the sixth perfect 300 but left pin 7 standing to score 299 and stretching his lead further.

Even at the final game, another Thai, Yannaphon Larpapharat came close leaving pin 10 for another 299. Singapore's Stanley Ong, who finished second in the Youth finals in the morning, had 11 consecutive strikes but the southpaw left a pin 7 to end with yet another 299.

Somjed topped the block with 1981, 104 pins ahead of the fast finishing Remy Ong of Singapore in second on 1877. 2004 PBA Bowler of the Year, Mika Koivuniemi ended up third with 1875. Guam's Jey Leon Guerrero and Singapore's Carl de Vries rounded up the top 5.

The men will bowl another 8 games in the second block tomorrow at 9.30am while the women will contest their first block later this evening.

Photos by Terence Yaw for SBF.

28th September, Singapore: Gina Lim Sim Hui ended a two year drought with a victory in the Youth Girl's Masters title of th 40th Singapore International Open while Ernie Cheng reclaimed the Boy's crown he won in 2005.

Malaysia's Fatin Syazliana opened account with a 234 in the first game but was soon overtaken by teammate, Christyn Chew after the second game with Singapore's Gina Lim following closely behind in third.

A scintillating high game of 266 moved the 16-year-old Singapore Sports School youngster to the front of the pack with a 46 pins cushion after third game. The champion kept a strong pace maintaining the lead right up to the eighth game when Christyn Chew took over the lead briefly.

Gina sealed the victory with 233 and 212 in the final two games for a total of 2069 whilst her nearest opponents failed to score higher. Fatin snatched second spot with 2043 with teammate, Christyn settling for third with 2026.

Meanwhile, Ernie Cheng Hsing-Chao of Chinese Taipei, reclaimed the Youth Boy's title he won in the 2005 Singapore Open after the 17-year-old amassed a total of 2112 in the 10-game finals.

While the Singapore youths fought out the lead in the early stages, Cheng only surged into the lead after the seventh game and went on to claim the victory. Singapore's Stanley Ong, who was trailing the Taiwanese, settled for second with 2041.

Gerald Yeo of Singapore, snatched third spot with 2026 from pace-setter and newly-crowned Hong Kong Youth Under-16 champion, Justin Lim Chun Liang who finished fourth just 2 pins adrift.

But the star of this morning's finals was undoubtedly Mark Wong Jee Mun. The national intermediate squad member posted the tournament's fifth perfect game during the finals. But crucially, the first in the Masters finals as he stood to win S$10,000. The first four perfect gamers had shared the $10,000 perfect game award just for the qualifiyng rounds while a fresh award was up fro grabs.

"Sure I was a bit tense towards the 10th and 11th frames but by the time I got to the last frame and knowing there was $10,000 on the line, I put all my focus and energy to bring back a good shot," said the delighted Mark, who celebrated his second career perfect game. His first came during the national schools championship two year ago.

The Men's and Women's Senior titles went to 56-year-old Denny Koh and Yeo Soo Yong. Koh totaled 2023 to pip veteran campaigner and 2005 Singapore Open champion, Jack Wong and Steven Tan in second and third.

Yeo also finished ahead of ex-international and previous Singapore Open champion, Patty Hor on a total of 1781 to win her first-ever senior crown. Patty knocked down 1759 to take second followed by Indonesia's Tine Sopaheluwakan in third a further 1 pin away.

Photos by Terence Yaw for SBF.

27th September, Singapore: Women World Championship gold medalist, Sharon Koh of Malaysia and 2004 PBA Bowler of the Year, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland mainntained their lead in the women's and men's open overseas pool on the final day of qualifying at the 40th Singapore International Open.

Women World's Championship gold medalist, Sharon Koh continued to lead the Women's Open Masters overseas pool table with a 4-game total of 947 posted two days ago, followed by teammate, Zandra Aziela in second with 906.

Newly-crowned Hong Kong Open champion, Shalin Zulkifli, who was languishing in the mixed pool yesterday, stepped up her game to finish a creditable third with 905. Whilst Wendy Chai is 8th in the mixed pool and looked vulnerable, she will be making additional attempts later this evening.

Singapore's Amanda Ng also maintained the lead in the local pool with 1024 posted on the second day of the championship. Fellow compatriots, Geraldine Ng and Valerie Teo finished second and third with 987 and 968 respectively.

Perfect gamer, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland remained in pole position in the Men's Open overseas pool with Thailand's Yannaphon Larpapharat improving to second with 989. But Malaysian national bowlers were beginning to stake their claim for the men's crown.

Leading the Malaysian charge were Adrian Ang, who posted 957 to take up third spot ahead of Filipino, Paulo Valdez making a comeback after a long break from international competition. Valdez scored 948 for fourth spot.

Singapore's Benjamin Lim remained in front of the local pool with 996 followed by Carl de Vries and Ng Qenn in second and third. First perfect gamer, Sam Goh took fourth position with Faizal Chew rounding up the top 5.

The 5.30pm squad just finished at 9.00pm and there would be an additional hour for lane dressing before three final squads of 8.00pm, 9.30pm and 11.00pm will most likely be running late by 2 hours.

Photos by Terence Yaw for SBF.

27th September, Singapore: Anthea Soh Wei-Xuen bagged her second international title when the Singapore Sports School youth triumphed in the Youth Girl's Under 16 Masters crown of the 40th Singapore International Open at Superbowl SAFRA Mount Faber Thursday morning.

Anthea, 15 who has been bowling for the past 5 years, gradually moved up from fifth after a slow start to second at the halway mark and went on to cap off her second crown. She won the Indonesia Open Youth Under 18 title in August.

Anthea amassed a total of 1485 and an impressive 185.6 average to snatch the victory from pace-setter, Kwa Ai Teng of Singapore, who settled for second with 1459, 26 pins adrift. Tay Hui Erh took third spot with a score of 1431.

"I didn't know I had won until Mr Mike Lam came and told me about it," said the beaming Anthea. "I'm going home to take a good rest and will prepare for the Women's Graded B finals. I'll be happy to if I can finish in the top 3.

Meanwhile, 13-year-old Chong Jun Foo from Sarawak, Malaysia, finally captured his first international title after he finished top of the Boy's Under 16 Masters finals with a total of 1618. Muhammad Fazrin B Khairul Faizi gave Malaysia a 1-2 finish when he took second spot with 1586.

Except for a low game of 139 in the third and a moderate 190 in the fourth, the SMK St. Thomas pupil from Kuching knocked down the other 6 games above the 200-mark for the victory. Chong's best outing was finishing second in the Thailand Open Youth Graded division in May.

Singapore's Colin Wee settled for third postion with a total of 1573 ahead of Hong Kong's Michael Mak Cheuk Yin and Tan Cheng Kiat of Singapore rounding up the top 5 with 1555 and 1550 respectively.

Qualifying for the other divisions will end today at 12.30am. The Men's Open Masters first block finals will be staged at 1.30pm on Friday, September 28 while the Women's Open Masters will take place at 5.00pm.

Photos by Terence Yaw for SBF.

26th September, Singapore: The fourth perfect game posted so far set the tone for the qaulifiyng rounds of the on-going 40th Singapore International Open Bowling Championship at Superbowl SAFRA Mount Faber.

Ex-national, Sam Goh hit the first 300 on Friday, September 21 en-route to winning the prize of S$10,000 only to seeing the purse having to be split with Malaysia's Suhaimi Rahmat, who got his 300 on Sunday, September 23.

As the pool of overseas bowlers arrived Singapore the following day, Finalnd's Mika Koivuniemi immediately found his line to score the third perfect game, splitting the pot 3-ways. Undoubtedly, Tuesday belong to an unknown from India.

Rajmohan Palaniappan of Tamilnadu Tenpin Bowling Association, competing for the first time in Singapore achieved India's historical feat by becoming the first Indian to score a perfect 300. The 40-year-old, in only his second attempt, posted 238, 222, 236 and 300 rounding off a 4-game total of 996.

The Indian bowler, who took up the sport 6 years ago, initially trained with a top Indian bowler, Remmy but was later coached by well-known American coach, James Porter for a while. Rajmohan is now coached by Malaysia's ex-international, Gerald Samuel for more than one and a half years now.

"My confidence level is quite high now that I have achieved the 300," said the delighted Rajmohan. "But bolwing againsts some of the highly experience bowlers in the finals will be tough but I'll give my 100%. Rajmohan's score of 996 put him second in the Men's Graded A qualifying leaderboard.

Meanwhile, Mika Koivnniemi topped the Men's Open Masters qualifying table with a score of 1020 ahead of Filipino, Paulo Valdez in second with 948 followed by Chinese Tape's Ku Ching-Ho third on 929.

In the local pool, Singapore's youngster, Benjamin Lim Jia Jun stormed to the lead with a scintillating 996, dislodging early leader, Carl de Vries into second spot with 987. Ng Qenn finished third with 983 ahead of first perfect gamer, Sam Goh fourth with 980.

In the women's open division, Asian Youth Team silver medalist, Amanda Ng of Singapore, recorded the highest 4-game series of the tournament with 1024 on the second day of the championship. Ng posted lines of 272, 274, 247 and 231.

Teammate, Geraldine Ng finished second with a superb 987 while Valerie Teo took third spot with 968. Singapore national women, Rena Teng, Evelyn Chan and Sabrina Lim finished fourth to sixth positions.

The top 3 positions in the overseas pool were dominated by Malaysian women. World Youth Masters gold and Women World's Championship Team gold medalist, Sharon Koh of Malaysia took top spot after she reeled off 208, 216, 254 and 269 for a total of 947.

Teammates, Zandra Aziela finished second with 224, 255, 182 and 245 for a 906 series while Asian Youth Masters silver medalist, Zatil Iman scored 205, 181, 237 and 269 for 892 total to take up third spot.

Qualifying rounds will end tomorrow (September 26) and the top 13 local men, top 13 overseas men, top 12 from the mixed pool together with defending champion, Lee Yu Wen will bowl two blocks of 8-games finals on Friday and Saturday.

The top 10 local women, top 10 overseas women and top 10 fro the mixed pool will also contest the the finals over two blocks of 8 games.

For the first time in Singapore's histroy of tenpin bowling will be the staging of the stepladder finals in two specially purpose-built lanes at the Velocity @ Novena Square Shopping Centre.

The Singapore Book of Records has confirmed that the staging of the stepladder finals at a shopping centre is a record in Singapore. Singapore Book of Records will also be presenting a certificate to the event organiser, Singapore Bowling Federation during the finals. The stepladder will be telecast LIVE by ESPN to a worldwide audience.

Photos by Terence Yaw for SBF.

21st September, Singapore: Ex-international, Sam Goh of Singapore shot the first perfect game during his qualifying round of the 40th Singapore International Open at Superbowl Safra Mount Faber on Friday evening.

The large crowd at Superbowl Safra Mount Faber had already gathered behind Sam Goh after announcement was made over the PA system when he knocked down the seventh consecutive strikes. Goh then got the crowd excited when he easily put out the eighth and the ninth strike with precision deliveries.

The crowd grew silent as he went for the tenth frame and to the amazement of the spectators, he duly obliged with a convincing strike. As tension grew stronger and stronger, the final two frames seemed to take very much longer while Goh settled his composure.

Keeping his calm, the veteran slowly set himself up for the 11th frame making the whole bowling centre in complete silence. With the crowd whispering "Can he do it?, Look like his lucky day" were some of the comments you can hear.

Stepping up to pick up his ball for the 12th and final throw, going for the perfect game, Goh looking confident delivered his final throw and eagerly watching the ball going into the perfect pocket and all 10 pins fell to the delight of the crowd who then cheered loudly.

Congratulations started to pour in and Goh, looking releived with a slight smile and becoming the first bowler to hit a perfect game of the tournament. Goh's first perfect game came in 2003 during the 2003 Singapore Open at Victor's Superbowl.

"I feel less stressed and calmer compared to my first perfect game," said the delighted Goh. "It's less pressure going up to the lane for the final throw this time round. Goh will stand a chance to pocket all of the perfect game award of S$10,000 if no one else hits another 300 otherwise it will be shared equally.

There is another S$10,000 perfect game award during the Masters finals commencing Septeber 28. Qualifying will intensify when overseas bowlers arrive Singapore next week and will end September 27.

Photos by Terence Yaw for SBF.