19th April, Petaling Jaya: Malaysian National Podium Squad members, Shaqeem Izwan Teh and Sin Li Jane cruised into the next round after winning the Men's Open and Women's Open Round 1 Masters finals of the 43rd Malaysian International Open Bowling Championships on Saturday.

Shaqeem got off the 8-game block with a sizzling 266 to lead two-time Youth Open champion and team-mate, Ethan Damien Goh by 18 pins. Singapore's Ray Ng followed in third with 245 while compatriot, Darren Ong and Mohammad Abdullah of Kuwait shared fourth spot with 234.

The leader added another strong game of 247 in his second game. Newcomer, William Berhhren of Sweden moved up to second ahead of Megat Zaqrul of FND Empire, Malaysia in third and ex-international, Kang Bo Long of ASF Tax/Motiv in fourth.

Shaqeem kept his brilliant pace with 222 and 224 in his next two games to remain firmly in the lead. Ahmad Aidil of Sunway Megalanes/SPI leapfrog into second after three back-to-back 240s games. The Swede slipped one spot to third while Megat Zaqrul stayed close with the front-runners.

Meanwhile, 2024 PWBA Bowler of the Year and 2025 IBF World Cup Team silver medalist, Sin Li Jane of Malaysian National Podium, cruised into the next round with 1809 in the Women's Round 1 finals. Singapore's Daphne Tan and Ning Tay was tussling for the lead in the early stages but could not maintain their strong pace.

National Youth, Adania Redzwan had a brief lead in the closing stage but again could not end off on a high. Sin, who was in the top four throughout the round, stormed home with 246 in her final game to snatch the win. Tan settled for second with 1791.

Another Singaporean, New Hui Fen nearly shot the tournament's first perfect game but ended with 299 in the eighth game to clinch third position with 1790. Pace-setters, Tay and Adania completed the top five with 1782 and 1768 respectively.

National Youth, Quratu'ain Izdihar Binti Mohd Pozi made the cut in 12th position with 1649. Charmaine Chang of Singapore and Dyan Arcel Coronacion of Philippines both missed the cut by one and two pins after finishing 13th and 14th spots.