23rd May, Petaling Jaya: 2024 Formosa International Classic third runner-up, Chong Jun Foo of Hero Bowling, Sarawak rolled the first perfect game of the Kuala Lumpur International Open Bowling Championships en-route to taking over top spot in the Open division qualifying standings.

Chong, who moved up to second overnight with 1424 after rolling the 300, improved further with a 3-game series of 721 for a 6-game total of 1485. Malaysian national youth, Azriq Izam, who registered the second perfect game of the tournament and a 1468 total to take over the lead, settled for second spot.

Muhammad Zharfan Bin Shahidi of UPSI took third position with an impressive 1448 followed by Muhammad Hazim Ali Hanafiah of Dotmod Apparel in fourth with 1441, after posting the tournament's third perfect game. Overnight leader, Tun Hakim completed the top five with 1437.

Meanwhile, Nur Syazwani Sahar, a Malaysian National podium squad member, topped the Women's qualifying with 1439.

Four-time Malaysian National champion, Sharon Koh of Putrajaya occupied second spot with 1434 and 2023 World Championships Singles gold medalist and 42nd Malaysian Open second runner-up, Natasha Roslan occupied third with 1375.

The current cut at 28th position in the mixed pool went to 2023 Sarawak International Open champion, Cheah Yung Ren of Wilayah Persekutuan with only a 3-game series of 682 in his first attempt (averaging 227.33).

Qualifiers positioned 1 to 28 in the Mixed pool along with the top 8 women qualifiers will contest the 8-game finals on May 26 with a chance of picking up the top prize of RM20,000. First and second runners-up will take home RM10,000 and RM5,000 respectively.

The qualifing rounds for the Youth Graded division will end at the 2.30pm squad. The top 28 Boys Graded and top 18 Girls Graded will qualify for their Masters finals scheduled at 9.00pm later tonight.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

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