5th June, Singapore: Top seed and backup squad member, Sin Li Jane became the youngster-ever bowler to win the Women's Open Masters title of the 43rd Singapore International Open as Chinese Taipei's Cheng Chao-Yu clinched the men's crown.

Reigning Malaysian national champion, Sin Li Jane proved she has what it takes to become a true champion when the top seed needed only one match to win her first major international title.

Li Jane had earlier topped the second block Masters finals to advance into the stepladder finals with a win-twice advantage. But the 18-year-old did not require to move into the sudden-death match when she romped home a comfortable victory over challenger, Li Hsiao-Ping of Chinese Taipei, 213-177 in the finals.

The Malaysian started off with three strikes-in-a-row and another double strike in the sixth and seventh frame giving her opponent no chance whatsoever to mount any challenge. Despite a split in the ninth

frame, Li simply could not repeat her form she showed in the first match.

"This is my first major international title and I'll cherish it for a long time to come," said the delighted backup squad member, Sin Li Jane. "I had the opportunity to compete here thanks to the the chance given to me to train with the elite squad.

"I was totally relaxed after I had gotten three strikes to start off the match and when I got another double, I was even more relaxed. I'll take this as a stepping stone to more victories in the future.

Li had earlier taken the first match ousting No. 2 seed, New Hui Fen of Singapore and No. 3 seed, Esther Cheah of Malaysia, 213-191-167 to advance into the finals and face Sin Li Jane. Li Jane pocketted the top prize of S$5,000 as champion leaving Li $S2,500 as runnerup.

Meanwhile, top seed Cheng Chao-Yu of Chinese Taipei, clinched the Men's crown after he defeated challenger and No. 3 seed, Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia, 217-177 to claim the top prize of S$25,000.

Lalisang, who was 30th in the first block, posted the highest 8-game series of 1842 in the second block to advance into the stepladder finals in third. The Indonesian defeated No. 2 seed, Adrian Ang of Malaysia and No. 4 seed, Phoemphun Yakasem of Thailand, 210-190-174 to face the Taiwanese.

But Cheng was simply in superb form to deny Lalisang the victory. He took home S$10,000 as first runnerup while Adrian won S$5,000 and Phoemphun S$3,000. Overnight leader, Zulmazran Zulkifli of Malaysia missed the cut in seventh.

Remy Ong of Singapore, who was second in the first block, missed the cut for the stepladder finals finishing sixth in the second block. Surasak Manuwong of Thailand finished fifth with 3360, just 18 pins from his team-mate. Defending champion, Shaker Al-Hassan of UAE managed only 11th position.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

5th June, Singapore: Malaysian women put up a fabulous performance to take two out of the top 4 stepladder spots after overnight leader, Sin Li Jane retained top seed joined by Esther Cheah in third at the end of the second block on Saturday morning.

While the reigning national champion rolled a respectable 207 in her opening game of the second block, Singapore's challenger New Hui Fen posted a higher 226 to overtake the Malaysian.

The 18-year-old Hui Fen continued with her blistering pace of 247, 264, 200 and 185 in her next four games, Li Jane too maintained her consistent score to stay close with the leader as Esther Cheah and Zandra Aziela were within striking distance of the leading duo.

A poor 165 from the Singaporean in the sixth game and a strong 216 from Li Jane saw the Malaysian youngster regaining the lead and building up a gap of 48 pins.

Li Jane ended the second block with 198 and 223 to secure her stepladder spot in pole position with a 16-game total of 3502 while Hui Fen settled for second with 3442, 60 pins adrift.

Esther also secured Malaysia's second stepladder spot after she finished third with 3337 with Chinese Taipei's Li Hsiao Ping taking the fourth and final stepladder spot with 3332. Defending champion, Sharon Koh missed the cut by 12 pins on 3320 despite a strong end to her effort.

Esther will meet Hui Fen and Hsiao Pin in the first match over one game and the winner will face top seed, Li Jane in the finals over one-plus-one finals and possibly become the youngster-ever to win the Women's crown.

The men will resume with their second block after lane maintenance for another 8 games and the top 4 will advance to the stepladder finals which will commence at 5.00pm.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

4th June, Singapore: Reigning Malaysian national champion, Sin Li Jane outshone her elite squad members to take pole position in the Women's Open first block finals of the 43rd Singapore International Open on Friday evening.

Backup squad member, Sin Li Jane set a cracking pace with a scintilating 266 in her opening game to lead 2008 Malaysian Open champion, Jazreel Tan of Singapore by 20 pins but immediately lost the lead to Asian Youth Games two gold medalist, New Hui Fen of Singapore after the second game.

As a keen tussle took place between Youth Girls first runnerup, Gina Lim and Sinai Open first runnerup, Zandra Aziela in the next two games, Li Jane kept close with the leaders with 200 and 211 in games three and four.

The 18-year-old rolled another sizzling 257 to surge into the lead at midway followed by Hong Kong's Vanessa Fung in second as Zandra and Gina dropped their pace to slip down the field.

Li Jane rounded off a superb first block with 236 and 209 to claim pole position with a total of 1764 and gave Malaysia plenty to cheer following Zulmazran Zulkifli, who led the men's division earlier.

"I was training very hard with the elite squad back home before the championship and I was quite confident after a good preparation," said Sin Li Jane. "But I struggled slightly during the qualifying rounds and only found a good line to bowl when I made the finals.

"This is an important outing to do well especially after being given the chance to train with the elite team and if I can do well, I might be picked for the the World Youth in July, Asian Championship in October and the Asian Games in November.

New Hui Fen, who regained the lead briefly after the sixth game, settled for second with 1746 while Chinese Taipei's Li Hsiao-Ping stormed home with a final game of 246 to snatch third spot with 1712.

The women will resume with their second block of 8 games tomorrow morning followed by the men in the afternon. The top 4 finishers will advance to the stepladder finals.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

4th June, Singapore: It was a closest of finish among the top three finshers in the Men's Open Masters finals of the 43rd Singapore International Open as Malaysia's Zulmazran Zulkifli clinched pole position.

Asian Youth Games Masters gold medalist, Basil Low had a cracking start with a superb opening game of 247 to lead Malaysian Open champion, Adrian Ang in second, just 13 pins ahead. But his lead on short-lived as UAE's Naif Oqab took over the running after the second game.

A more consistent scoreline from Ang saw the Malaysian moving into the lead after the third game. Hong Kong's Rickle Kam fired a sizzling 279 to surge into the front of the pack at the halfway mark.

Kam continued his hot pace in his next two games and managed to hang on to the lead but ran out of steam towards the end allowing another Malaysian, Zulmazran Zulkifli to take the lead. Zulmazran ended strongest to top the first block with 1769.

Singapore's top contender and Saudi Open champion, Remy Ong also finished strongly to snatch second spot with 1748, just 21 pins adrift Zulmazran while Kam settled for third spot with 1729.

"This is just the first block and there's another 8 games tomorrow," said the 25-year-old two-time Malaysian Open champion, Zulmazran. "The lanes are tougher than I thought and it's important to make sure I did not lose my concentration.

"I made countless changes in the line and it helped me to bowl more consistently. I hope I can keep the same consistency in the second block and hope to make the stepladder finals."

Zulmazran's team-mate and early leader, Adrian Ang hung on to fourth spot with 1703 while Basil Low founded up the top 5 with 1700. Defending champion, Shaker Al-Hassan of UAE did well to stay with the pack in sixth position with 1698.

The men will continue with their second block of 8 games tomorrow and the top 4 at the end of the block will advance to the stepladder finals. The women will commence their first block later today.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

3rd June, Singapore: The scramble for a place in the Masters finals heated up as the 43rd SIngapore International Open qualifying round comes to an end this evening at Orchid Bowl @ Orchid Country Club.

Singapore's youngster, Howard Saw sat firmly atop the Men's Open Masters local qualifying pool with his superb 956 posted several days ago while the overall leader and Thailand's Surasak Manuwong's score of 1061 looked unbeatable.

As scores began to soar, several bowlers made the cut notably, Yannaphon Larpapharat who improved from his earlier score to 941 to take up fifth in the overseas pool. Joining him was Badin Lerdpiriyasakulkit with 918 in 11th position.

Two Taiwanese, Cheng Chao-Yu and Tsai Ting Yun are safely in the same pool in sxith and tenth positions respectively. Five Malaysians, led by the highest scorer, Aaron Kong also made the cut.

Bahrain's representative in the finals was Osama Khalfan, who only made it at the 4.30pm squad with 910 who knocked out 2008 champion and current Asian Ranked No. 1, Hussain Al-Suwaidi from the mixed pool.

The top 13 from the local pool, top 13 from the overseas pool and top 12 from the mixed pool will be joined by the defending champion, Shaker Al-Hassan of UAE and the top 4 qualifier from the single-game desperado squad will contest the finals over two blocks of 8 games on June 4 and 5.

Meanwhile in the Women's division, Sin Li Jane and Esther Cheah of Malaysia made the cut today with scores of 903 and 901 to join their team-mates, Shalin Zulkifli, Zandra Aziela and Wendy Chai, who qualified earlier.

Kristel Oh remained atop the overall standings and the local pool with 963 as Shalin topped the overseas pool with 943. Ex-national, Jennifer Tan occupied the last spot of the local pool with 864.

Indonesia is well represented by four qualifiers with Ivana Hie leading Thailand Open champion, Tannya Roumimper, Putty Armein and ABF Tour TOC winner, Sharon Limansantoso. Chinese Taipei also has three qualifiers and Hong Kong two.

The current cut off for the women is occupied by Tan Yan Ling with a score of 842 with Bernice Lim just one spot above her with 857.

The top 10 from the local pool, top 10 from the overseas pool, top 9 from the mixed pool will be joined by the defending champion, Sharon Koh of Malaysia for their finals over two blocks of 8 games each. The top 4 men and top 4 women at the end of the two blocks will advance to the stepladder grand finals to determine this year's champion.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

3rd June, Singapore: Singapore national development youth squad members, Oriana Tay and Justin Lim Chia Loong celebrated a double victory when they captured the Youth Girls and Boys Masters titles of the 43rd Singapore International Open.

sian Youth Games Team silver medalist, Ilma Nur Jannah started off the 8-game Masters finals with two back-to-back opening games of 203 but could not hold on to the lead as Ong Ying Xin edged her by 2 pins to take over the running.

Newly-crowned Youth Girls Under-18 champion, Oriana Tay posted four consistent games to surge into th lead at the midway point with Ong trailing by 30 pins as Ilma dropped her pace and slipped down the field.

Tay continued her hot pace to end the finals with a strong 237 final game to win her second consecutive title with 1602 and was the only finalist to register a 200 average. 2007 champion and three-times runnerup, Gina Lim stormed home to snatch second spot with 1537.

"I'm so thrilled to win my second title," exclaimed the 17-year-old polytechnic student, Oriana Tay. "I had a poor start but my coach (Francis) told me to try and use another bowling ball and it worked beautifully.

"Of course as the lanes got drier, I shifted a lot and I was able to keep my consistency. Now I will concentrate on trying to qualify for the Open division and hope for the best."

Asian Youth Games Doubles gold medalist, Krishna Darshini also finshed strongly to clinch third spot with 1523 while Ilma Nur Jannah recovered to end the finals in fourth position with 1506.

Meanwhile, Justin Lim Chia Loong claimed his first international title after the 16-year-old totaled 1731 pinfalls to finish atop the Boys division. A keen tussle for the lead had taken place between Anthnoy Low and Malaysia's Chan Wei Siang in the first half.

But it was the consistency of Justin Lim's game that saw the national youth taking the title 17 pns ahead of Anthony in second with 1714. Another national youth, Ng Shew Pang stormed home in the last three games to snatch third spot with 1657.

"This is my first international title and I'm so happy to have won it," said Justin Lim, who was the national youth champion last year. "Now that the finals is over, I will try to make the Open division Masters later today.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

2nd June, Singapore: Malaysian bowlers made an impact in the qualifying rounds of the 43rd Singapore International Open after Shalin Zulikfli and Zandra Aziela finished one-two in the Women's Open qualifying standings on Wednesday.

Shalin Zulkifli, who was ninth in the overseas pool, notched up an improved 943 this afternoon dislodging overnight leader and team-mate, Zandra Aziela into second spot with 931. Wendy Chai almost completed the top 3 if not for Chinese Taipei's Li Hsiao Ping taking up third with 910.

Chai settled for fourth with 898 ahead of four Indonesians with Ivana Hei leading her compatriots with 883 in fifth, Putty Armein sixth with 877, Sharon Limansantoso seventh with 862 and Tannya Roumimper eighth with 861.

Singapore national rookie, Kristel Oh topped the local pool with 963 ahead of the Tan siblings, Cherie and Daphne second and third with

937 and 927 respectively. The current cut off mark is 832 by Hong Kong's Sylvia Kong, ninth in the mixed pool.

The Men's Open division lead looked unlikely to be challenged after Thailand's Surasak Manuwong posted an incredible 1061. Malaysia's Aaron Kong separated the Thais in second with 970 ahead of Somjed Kusonpithak third with 962.

Singapore's youngster, Howard Saw topped the local pool with 956 followed by Justin Lim Chun Liang in second with 950 and ex-national, Sam Goh third with 939 and Suadi Open champion, Remy Ong fourth with 927.

Five bowlers surpassed the 900-mark today with Hong Kong's Rickle Kam occupying eighth with 928, Malaysia's Zaid Izlan tenth with 914, Zulmazran Zulkifli first in the mixed pool with 907, Indonesia's Ryan Lalisang second in the mixed pool with 906.

Hong Kong's Eric Tseng was the fifth bowler with exactly 900 to take up fifth in the mixed pool. With a few squads remaining to day and the last qualifying day tomorrow, the cut off will surely by higher.

There were very little changes in the Youth Boys and Youth Girls division as their last chance to qualify will be at the 6.30pm squad today. Their Masters finals will be held tomorrow at 9.30am.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

2nd June, Singapore: Singapore's bowling maestro and ex-national, Jack Wong showed that he still has what it takes to win a title after capturing the Men's Senior Masters title of the 43rd Singapore International Open on Wednesday morning.

Jack Wong, who won numerous titles during his younger days as a national bowler, showed that he has got what it takes to win a title. The 58-year-old immedaitely settled down to a good pace to lead the field of 20 veterans during the 8-game masters finals.

But it was his opponent, Peter Chew who took over the running in the next three games when Wong could not keep pace. Wong bounced back strongly with 244, 195 and 245 in his last three games to take a comfortable victory with 1724 and 60 pins margin.

"I used to exercise a lot to keep fit when I was younger but these days, I can only manage to bowl to keep fit," said Jack Wong jokingly after his victory. "I'm always happy to win and this will keep me going for some time to come."

Peter Chew settled for second with 1664 as Alvin Tan stormed home to snatch third spot with 1633. Philip Tang, Leonard Goh, Jason Lim, Chen Tong-Hui and Steven Ang all finished in the money from fourth to eighth positions.

Meanwhile, Yeo Soo Yong also proved that age does not matter when it comes to the sport of bowling. The 61-year-old took over the lead after the fourth game and hung on for a slender 3 pins to win the Women's Senior crown.

Yeo amassed a total of 1547 with Susan Tan settling for second with 1544. Susan Tan Siew Inn finished third, 40 pins further away follwed by Christine Chan and Jenny Oon Sue Shoon completing the top 5 places.

Samuel Ho, council member presented the prizes to the winners immediately after the finals at Orchid Bowl @ Orchid Country Club. The next Masters finals will be the Youth division which will be held tomorrow morning at 9.30am.

Qualifying for the Youth division will end tonight at 8.30pm squad while the rest will continue to the last day of qualifying will end June 3.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

1st June, Singapore: Foreign bowlers made their mark in the qualifying rounds of the 43rd Singapore International Open as Surasak Manuwong of Thailand surpassed the 1,000-mark in his fifth attempt to lead the Men's Open table on Tuesday.

Ex-Thai national bowler, Surasak Manuwong, who was struggling in his earlier attempts, finally found the right line to bowl in his fifth squad to become the first bowler to register pass the 1,000-mark.

The 32-year-old Surasak started off with 236 and 259 in his first two games and almost shot the tournament's first 300 but was unlucky to leave a single pin in his 12th and final throw of the third game for 299.

The 2007 SEA Games gold medalist ended with another splendid 267 for a sizzling 4-game total of 1061 to lead the Men's Open Masters overall qualifying standings. Surasak has always shown superb form in qualifying but has yet to win a title.

Overnight leader, Aaron Kong of Malaysia settled for second with 970 ahead of another Thai, Somjed Kusonpithak third with 962. Another Malaysian, Kang Bo Long and India's Dilbir Singh completed the top 5.

In the local pool, Singapore Sports School's Howard Saw surprised many when he posted 956 to take over the running and fourth overall. Saw's effort dislodged overnight leader, Justin Lim Chun Liang in second with 950.

The foreign women also made their mark after Sinai Open first runnerup, Zandra Aziela of Malaysia surged into the lead of the Women's Open Masters overseas pool with 931. Chinese Taipei's Le Hsiao Ping took second with 910.

National rookie, Kristel Oh outshone her more experienced team-mates after she scorched the lanes at the 4.30pm squad to register a superb 963 and moving into the lead of the local as well as the oversall standings.

Overnight leader, Cherie Tan Shi Hua and her youngster sister, Daphne Tan settled for second and third with 937 and 922 respectively. Amanda Ng and New Hui Fen completed the top 5 with 891 and 883.

Tan Yan Ling, who was third in the mixed pool of the Women's Open table, also topped the Youth Girls division with 894. Gina Lim slipped down to second with 861 while newly-crowned Girls Under-18 champion, Oriana Tay was third with 858.

Malaysia's Chan Wei Siang led the Youth Boys division with 907 followed by Jonathan Ang Wei Xiang in second and Keith Saw third with 891 and 890 respectively.

The qualifying rounds for the senior will end tonight while the rest of the divisions will two more days left. The Masters finals of the Senior division will be held tomorrow morning.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

31st May, Singapore: Joel Tan and Oriana Tay Ling Ying took a well deserved victory in the Boy's and Girl's Under-18 Mastes finals of the 43rd Singapore International Open at Orchid Bowl @ Orchid Country Club on Monday.

Desmond Lee Jian Wei got off to a great start reeling in 214 in his opening game but was edged by Gan Ju Yen after the second game by just 2 pins as Jeol Tan home in third after recovering from a poor start.

A superb 236 in Joel's third gave the 14-year-old Singapore Sports School student the lead and with a renewed confidence almost brought the house to a standstill as he reeled in nine consecutive strikes.

But as it turned out, it wasn't going to be his first career perfect game and managed only 278 to give Joel a 78-pin lead over his nearest opponent at the halfway point of the finals. Despite managing only 192, 172 and 172 in his next three games, Joel ended strongly with

221 to take a well-deserved victory in the Boy's Under-18 finals with 1646.

"Although I was slightly disappointed for not scoring my first perfect game, it made me more determined to win the title," said Joel Tan, who qualified for the finals in 16th and last position.

Jevarn Li stormed home in the last three games to snatch second spot with 1608 followed by another strong finisher, Anthony Low in third with 1604. Early leader, Gan Ju Yen settled for fourth with 1571.

SBF national development youth member, Oriana Tay Ling Ying, who took the lead for the first three games and lost it to Girl's Under-15 champion, Tracy See, regained her lead in her last three games to emerge the Girl's Under-18 champion with 1577.

Grace Fung also fired three strong games to clinch second spot with 1547 ahead of Rachel Ang third with 1529. A couple of low games in the crucial stage of the finals costed Tracy a podium finish when she ended in fourth position with 1513.

"This win is special and is a present to my mother who will be celebrating her birthday tomorrow," said the delighted Oriana Tay, who will also be competing in the Youth Girl's and Women's Open finals.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.

30th May, Singapore: Hard work paid off for 15-year-old Muhd Jaris Goh after the Singapore Sports School student bagged the Boy's Under-15 Masters title of the 43rd Singapore International Open on Sunday morning.

"I'm very happy to have won this year's first prize as I was third last year in the competition," said Muhd Jaris after receiving his prize. While he was delighted to have won the first prize, Jaris is not a stranger when it comes to winning. He has won multiple awards last year including the Milo Junior All-Stars Under-15 crown.

Even though he trains five days a week, winning the award was no easy feat. His greatest challenge during the competition was 'picking up spares' added the champion. Just for this competition, Muhd Jaris had one month of special training to help get him ready for his game.

The youngster started bowling only when he was nine years old. Clearly, his training sessions is one of the many factors that got him

to where he is now. Despite the tiring hours and sacrifices that he has to make, Jaris expressed: "My passion and love for the game is what keeps me going."

Having to compete under pressure and the cheering crowds, Muhd Jaris shared that "drinking plenty of water and not thinking about the scores" was what helped him to keep calm and focused during the game. Also, the preparation talk every now and then from his coach motivates him to perform even better.

His coach Mr Thomas Fox was just as happy for the young bowler. "I'm very proud of his achievements. He is getting much better and is able to compete under pressure." He added that Jaris has improved a lot from the past and he managed to keep calm and composed during his entire game.

Meanwhile, top qualifier, Tracy See snatched the Girl's Under-15 crown in her last two games. The youngster totaled 1512 to finish 13 pins ahead of Michelle Ng in second and Joy Yap third with 1499 and 1498 respectively.

The Youth Under-18 Masters finals will be held tomorrow morning at 9.30am while the Youth Boys and Youth Girls finals will be staged on June 3 at 9.30am.

Photos by SingaporeBowling.

29th May, Singapore: Perfect gamer of the Asian Youth Championship, Justin Lim Chun Liang of Singapore, stormed into the lead of the Men's Open Masters qualifying standings of the 43rd Singapore International Open on Friday.

Lim, who also won a silver medal in the inaugural Asian Youth Games last July, posted a scintillating 950 to take over the lead and forcing overnight leader and Saudi Open champion, Remy Ong having to settle for second with 927.

The 17-year-old will be hoping to display similar form during the Masters finals and to give his more experienced team-mates a challenge for the Men's crown. Jeremy Fang took third spot with 887 ahead of Gerald Ng in fourth with 877.

Former national champion, Jason Yeong-Nathan did well to take up fifth position with 872 as former champion and seasoned veteran, Jack Wong will also be hoping to provide stiff competition to his younger counterparts having finished sixth with 871.

The only foregin men to have registered a score was Amercian, Darrell Jackson who led the overseas pool with 772. The scoreline is defintely not good enough when more foreign competitors take to the lanes this early next week.

Newly-promoted to the national ranks, New Hui Fen is relishing on the lanes where she bagged two gold medals during the inaugural Asian Youth Games. The 17-year-old improved on her earlier score of 842 with 883 to lead the women's open division.

2008 AMF World Cup champion, Jasmine Yeong-Nathan shared second spot with overnight leader, Jazreel Tan with 879 as Shayna Ng and Cherie Tan rounded the top 5 with 876 and 855.

Sabeena Saleem remained the only foreign women who have registered a score in the women's open overseas pool with 801 two days ago and has yet made any improvements before the arrival of more overseas participants.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Ang Wei Xiang impressed his coaches after he posted a splendid 891 to lead the Youth Boys division ahead of Keith Saw in second with 890. Overnight leader, Suresh Elangovan settled for third with 870.

2007 Singapore Open Youth Girls champion and two-time runnerup, Gina Lim continued to lead the Youth Girls division with 861 ahead Asian Youth Games Team silver medalist, Ilma Nur Jannah stormed into second spot with 855.

Joan Tan Lu Yun slipped down to third with 841 followed by 2009 Penang Pesta Youth Girls champion, Michaela Oehler and Stacy Lian completing the top 5 with 834 and 833.

Photos by SingaporeBowling.

27th May, Singapore: The one title which has eluded Remy Ong is winning the Singapore International Open Men's crown as the national bowler stamped his mark by taking over pole position in the qualifying standings on Thursday.

Asian Youth Games Masters gold medalist, Basil Low had taken the early lead with 857 when the 43rd running of the immensely popular Singapore Open got underway two days ago. Gerald Ng took over the lead briefly with 870 only to see Remy Ong surging to the front with 927.

Ong, who will be leading Singapore's challenge in three major outings namely the World Men's Championship in Munich in August, the 21st Asian Championship in Abu Dhabi in October and the all-important Asian Games in Guangzhou in November, is hoping a victory will boost his confidence.

The Singaporean had won two gold medals at the 2006 World Men's

Championship in Busan and the Masters gold medal at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha. Ong's latest success was capping the 4th Kingdom of Saudi Open in April.

Ng and Low settled for second and third while Kelvin Koh Yue Min and national youth, Ng Tiac Pin completed the top 5 with 852 and 831 respectively.

Meanwhile, 2010 Rookie of the Year and BWAA Player of the Year runnerup, Jazreel Tan who is on a holiday break from her studies in the US, grabbed the lead in the Women's Open division with an effortless 879.

Asian Youth Games two gold medalist, New Hui Fen had to be content with second with 842 followed by 2008 AMF World Cup champion, Jasmine Yeong-Nathan third with 836. Overnight leader, Amanda Ng slipped down to fourth with 830.

2008 Singapore Open champion, Cherie Tan showed promise when she posted 817 to round up the top 5 as the only foreign competitor, Sabeena Saleem of India topped the overseas pool with 801.

National youth, Suresh Elangovan also took over the lead in the Youth Boy's division with a superb 870 to push overnight leader, Shaun Lau into second with 849. Another national youth, Marc Wee Ming Lei claimed third spot with 831.

2007 Singapore Open Youth Girls champion and twice runnerup, Gina Lim remained in pole position with 861 ahead of Joan Tan Lu Yun in second with 841. 2009 Penang Pesta Youth Girls Open champion, Michaela Oehler moved into third with 834.

Qualifying will continue through to June 2 and the Masters finals will be staged over two days on June 3 and 4.

Photos by SingaporeBowling.

26th May, Singapore: Singapore national bowlers, Basil Low and Amanda Ng grabbed the early lead in the Men's and Women's Open Masters qualifying standings at the 43rd Singapore International Open underway at Orchid Bowl @ Orchid Country Club.

Basil Low, who was promoted to the national rank from the development squad after winning the Asian Youth Games Masters gold medal in 2009, will be hoping to end a four-year break since a Singaporean had won the coveted Men's crown.

Ex-national, Lee Yu-Wen took the 2006 title after Singapore's seasoned campaigner and veteran, Jack Wong won it a year ago in 2005. Since then, PBA pro, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland, Hussain Al-Suwaidi and Shaker Al-Hassan of UAE all triumphed in the next three years.

American PBA pro and Samho Cup champion, Tim Mack is the only bowler who had won the Singapore Open title three times in 2004,

2001 and 2000. The championship is Mack's favorite championship and will be hoping to bag the title for the fourth time.

Low's 4-game effort of 857 has put the 17-year-old in the lead but with so many days left for qualifying, his grip on pole position may not last. Newcomer, Kelvin Koh finished second with 852 ahead of national youth, Ng Tiac Pin in third with 831.

Singapore's most successful kegler, Remy Ong has yet to win the elusive title despite showing great form when he captured the 2009 Qatar Open crown and most recently, the Kingdom of Saudi Open in April this year. Ong is sixth in the standings with 752.

Meanwhile, only a handful of women has taken to the lanes for their qualifying rounds but the early leader is national bowler, Amanda Ng after posting 830. National youth rookie, Kristel Oh and Teo Li Ying claimed second and third with 815 and 764.

Sabeena Saleem of India was the only foreign women who has made her attempt and her 801 effort put her in pole position in the overseas pool.

Suresh Elangowan topped the Youth Boys division with 870, the highest 4-game total of the tournament thus far. Marc Wee Ming Lei and ex-national youth, Shaun Lau second and third with 831 and 822 respectively.

2007 Youth Girls champion and two-time first runnerup, Gina Lim of Singapore topped the Youth Girls table with a superb 861 to lead Joan Tan Lu Yun and Tan Yan Ling in second and third with 841 and 803.

Qualifying continues until June 3 and the majority of the overseas competitor are expected to arrive May 30 and 31 which will give the local bowlers stiffer competition and driving the qualifying higher.

Photos by Terence Yaw.