26th August, Daejeon: Third seed, Jeong Seung-Joo of Cheongbuk Sports Council toppled top seed and KPBA pro, Kim Young-Kwan 229-188 in the title match of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament to claim his first-ever Korean title.

Both the title contenders started off with three strikes-in-a-row setting up a grand finale. But a bad 1-2-4-6-10 split from Kim in the fourth frame and a fourth strike by Jeong put the match very much in favour of the challenger.

Jeong himself came across a 8-pin split in the fifth frame offering a chance for the top seed to mount a comeback. However, Jeong recovered with another turkey from frame 6 making the match beyond the top seed's reach.

Jeong closed out with 229 to take the match and the coveted title as Kim ended his campaign with 188 to settle for first runner-up. The champion sailed past No. 2 seed, Kim Jun-Soo of Bucheon University, 258-194 in the third match to earn a crack at the title.

"I'm really surprised that I can reach this far and win the title," said the 33-year-old construction worker from Cheongbuk Sports Council, Jeong and winner of the 2007 Malaysian Open.

"The match against Kim Min-Hee wasn't easy especially after a good start and then to get a bad split in the fifth frame. I've made countless attempts to do well in local tournaments but have never got anywhere near what I've achieve today.

"This tournament is a big experience for me especially competiting against so many top international bowlers and local pros," added the champion, who is coached by Kang Do-In, the Korean national coach.

The champion moved up the ladder with an earlier victory over Kim Min-Hee from Seoul, 228-202 in the second match and to move closer to the title.

Kim Min-Hee, one of two female bowlers to make the TV finals, defeated No. 5 seed and Korean national team member, Lim Dong-Sung and the other female finalist, Jeon Gui-Ae of Daejeon Metropolitan City in a high scoring opening match, 269-236-248.

The champion walked away with the top prize of 50 million Korean won (approx. US$46,000) while Kim Young-Kwan settled for 25 million (approx. US$23,000).

Second runner-up, Kim Jun-Soo took home 12.5 million (approx. US$11,000), Kim Min-Hee 9 million, Jeon Gui-Ae 7 million and Lim Dong-Sung 5 million.

The Mayor of Daejeon City and Chairman of Daejeon Sports Council, Mr Yum Hong-Chul, WTBA President, Mr Kevin Dornberger and President of the Korean Professional Bowling Association, Mr Kim Eun-Sik were on hand to present the trophies and prizes to the winners.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Daejeon.

25th August, Daejeon: Kim Young-Kwan advanced into an all-Korean TV shootout finals after the KPBA pro topped the Round-Robin finals of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament as two internationals, Robert Smith and Mika Koivuniemi failed to make the top 6 cut.

Jeon Gui-Ae of Daejeon Metropolitan City, who topped the earlier Top 48 semi-finals, gave away the lead after losing her opening match to Bucheon University's youngster and 19-year-old Kim Jun-Soo.

But the top female kegler bounched back to regain the lead which she held for the next five matches until match 7 when she managed only 173. KPBA pro. Kim Young-Kwan, who had trailed Jeon in the first half, bowled consistently winning seven of the nine matches contested to move into the lead.

The 33-year-old who turned pro three years ago, then won his eighth match by rolling the tournament's 14th perfect game and opening up a massive gap of 172 pins over Jeong Seung-Joo of Cheongbuk National Sports Council.

His margin was reduced to 77 pins after losing the 11th match as Kim Jun-Soo won his sixth match with a superb 278 to take over second spot.

Despite losing the position round match against Jun-Soo, 245-252, the leader closed out the Round-Robin finals with 2819 plus 240 pins bonus for a 36-game total of 8886 to advance into the TV Shootout finals as top seed.

Jun-Soo secured second position with 8846 including 210 bonus he earned for winning seven matches from a 2789 series. Jeong Seung-Joo took third spot with 8768 plus 225 bonus points from seven wins and a draw in the position round match. Kim Min-Hee finished fourth with 8683 on seven wins an a draw with Seung-Joo.

Korean National team member, Lim Dong-Sung posted 2730 and earned 240 bonus points from eighth wins for a total of 8679, including a win in the position round to improve from sixth to fifth.

Top 48 semi-finals leader, Jeong Gui-Ae survived with 2723 and only two wins to make the TV finals in sixth position with 8659. Top qualifier and American PBA pro, Robert Smith missed the cut by 59 pins to end up in seventh position with 8600.

Another PBA pro and current World Tour ranked No. 1, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland finished eighth with the same amount of wins as Smith on eight. Tomoyuki Sasaki of JBC, Japan, who shot the tournament's 13th 300 in the openng match, won five matches and lost seven to take up tenth position with 8498.

The first shootout match will amongst the fourth, fifth and sixth seeds. The winner will earn the right to face the third seed in the second match. The winner then meets the second seed in the third match to determine who will face the top seed over one match for the title.

The TV finals will commence at 2.00pm local time and LIVE scores will be featured here. LIVE video streaming will also be available at www.bowling.co.kr.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Daejeon.

25th August, Daejeon: Top Korean female finalist, Jeon Gui-Ae of Daejeon Metropolitan City outshone her male counterparts to claim pole position in the Top 48 semi-final round of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament on Thursday.

Pole sitter and American PBA pro, Robert Smith got off the mark with two superb games of 258 and 245 but found his lead reduced from 71 to 27 pins after Kim Taek-Yeon of Daejeon rolled the ninth 300 of the tournament in game 20.

The 37-year-old Smith was able to hang on to the lead for the next two games but saw his lead reduced further to just 5 pins when the Korean gradually closed in on the leader.

The other PBA pro, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland struggled in his first two opening games to slip out of the top 12 but bounced back to become the first bowler to knock down back-to-back 300 (tenth and 11th of the tournament) in the games 21 and 22.

Disaster strucked Smith when he managed only 189 in game 23 which allowed the top female finalist, Jeon Gui-Ae of Daejeon Metropolitan City to surge into the lead after almost rolling the tournament's 11th perfect game with 299.

Jeon closed out the semi-finals with a strong 247 for a 1553 series to claim pole position with 5876 and advanced into the Round-Robin finals with a 29-pin cushion. Bucheon University's 19-year-old Kim Jun-Soo continued his fine performance to finish second with 5847 from a 1515 series.

The left-handed two perfect gamer, Kim Taek-Yeon took third spot with 5828 followed by KPBA pro, Kim Young-Kwan and Smith rounding up the top 5 with 5827 and 5815 respectively. Koivuniemi ended in ninth spot with 5726, 150 pins off the leader.

Last night's double perfect gamer, Toshihiko Takahashi of JBC missed the cut after posting a 24-game total of 5689 while Korean Kim Kyung-Min squeezed in with 5704, 15 pins ahead of the Japanese.

Takahashi's team-mate, Tomoyuki Sasaki made the cut in 10th position with 5718 ahead of the sole surviving Korean national team bowler, Lim Dong-Sung, who finished 11th with 5709. Kim Min-Hee was the other female to advance in sixth position. Choi Tae-Seung of Bucheon University shot the 12th 300 thus far.

The top 12 will contest the Round-Robin finals matchplay style with 30 pins bonus for a win and 15 pins for a draw. The top 6 at the end of the 36 games including bonus will advance to the TV Shootout finals on August 26.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Daejeon.

24th August, Daejeon: America PBA pro, Robert Smith shot the tournament's sixth perfect game en-route to claiming overall pole position at the end of the third block qualifying round of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament.

The fifth perfect game came early in the opening game of the final Squad B when Toshihiko Takahashi of Japan rolled the sixth 300 as overnight leader, Kim Kyung-Min stretched his lead over American PBA pro, Robert Smith from 21 to 47 pins.

Smith, winner of 7 PBA titles including the 2000 U.S. Open and the 2002 Japan Cup champion, then fired a splendid 268 to take over the running trailed by former PBA exempt international and KPBA pro, Jeong Tae-Hwa in second.

The American was on fire after he knocked down another sizzling 278 to extend his lead further to 83 pins followed by another KPBA pro, Kim Byung-Hak.

Smith pulled away from his nearest rival when he knocked down the tournament's seventh 300 in the 16th game which meant he needed only 411 or more in his next two remaining games to topple the leader, Kim Taek-Yeon of Daejeon.

Despite coming across a pair of lanes in which the American struggled slightly by posting 214, Smith recovered to close out with a scintilating 268 for a superb 1547 final block series. His 18-game tally came to 4452 ending the qualifying round, 71 pins ahead of Kim Taek-Yeon.

"I didn't have the best of start and I had to change my ball in the next game to get the better carry," said the 37-year-old winner of 9 PBA Regional titles and champion of this year's Euro-Med Storm Masters and last month's Hong Kong Open.

"Then the lanes got a bit tricky and I switched back to the ball I started with in the first game and it worked beautifully. From then on, everything just went perfect including the 300.

"I'm feeling good this last couple of days, my timing is good, my delivery is great and I couldn't have asked for a better start. The pins I've built up is useful for the next round as they are carried forward. So I hope I can build on that further."

Jeon Gui-Ae of Daejeon Metropolitan City finished second to Smith with 4323 to become the best female finisher and fifth overall. Kim Jin-Hyuk took third spot in the squad with 4294. The only female to register 1500-series was Lee Na-Young with 1513 to finish seventh.

Toshihiko Takahashi registered his second 300, the eighth of the tournament in the final game of the same block to complete the top 5 in the squad with 4277.

Squad C leader and KPBA pro, Kim Young-Kwan finished third overall on 4368 followed by Kim Jun-Soo of Bucheon University fourth with 4332. The top female, Jeon Gui-Ae shared fifth spot with Jeong Seung-Joo on 4323.

Jang Seong-Man and Kim Sik tied 48th position with 4059 but Jeong will advance due to a two higher series in the first and third block against Kim Sik. Before the final squad, the cut was 379-over but has now been raised to 459 and an average of 225.50.

Malaysia's Zulmazran Zulkifli was South-East Asia's best finisher in 55th position but missed the cut by 19 pins. PBA pro, Jason Belmonte of Australia also missed the cut to tie in 58th position.

Osku Palermaa of Finland ended one position further in 60th while Thailand's Badin Lerdpiriyasakulkit finished 64th position. Only one out of seven Korean National bowler made the cut. A total of eleven female out of the 48 made the next round.

The top 48 will advance to the semi-finals round for another 6 games with pins carried forward. The top 12 at the the 24 games total will make the cut for the Round-Robin Finals.

The top 6 at the end of the 36 games played will proceed to the TV Shootout Finals which will be broadcast by SBS ESPN on August 26.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Daejeon.

24th August, Daejeon: Kim Taek-Yeon of Daejeon upstaged overnight squad leader to claim overall pole position of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament qualifying round after Squad A completed their third block.

PBA pro and two-time PBA Bowler of the Year, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland, who held a 52 pin lead over second-placed, Kim Hyun-Bum, got off to a good start with a 250 opener as Kim Hyun-Bum remained in second position.

Koivuniemi added 246 and 226 to retain the lead at the halfway mark while Kim Taek-Yeon fired 279, 227 and 289 to surge into second spot and trailed the Finn by 53 pins.

Whilst Koivuniemi struggled in the 16th game, Taek-Yeon took advantage of the Finn's demise to post 259 to take over the running, 25 pins ahead. The 40-year-old left-hander then almost shot the tournament's fifth 300 but missed by one pin in the 17th game.

Needing only 224 in the final game to topple earlier squad leader, Kim Young-Kwan, Taek-Yeon ended with 237 for an astonishing record-breaking 1590 six-game series to take pole in both the squad and the overall standings with 4381.

Korean national bowler, Lim Dong-Sung stormed home to snatch second spot with 1496 and an 18-game aggregate of 4273, 108 pins adrift while Kim Hyun-Bum took third spot with 4268. An Hyun-Im was the best female finisher in seventh with 4227.

Squad C leader Kim Young-Kwan slipped down to second on 4368, 13 pins behind Taek-Yeon. Kim Jun-Soo of Bucheon University dropped to third position with 4332. Koivnuniemi slipped down from second overnight to eighth position with 4249.

The top 48 cut is now raised from 315 to 379-over or 221.06 average which is being held by KPBA pro, Kwon Young-Dae with 3979. Multiple Asian Games medalist, Choi Jin-A of Daejeon Metropolitan City is 47th with 3987.

International players, Mika Machuga of USA, Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia, Brian Valenta of USA, Yoshinao Masatoki of Japan and Yannaphon Larpapharat of Thailand have dropped outside the top 48.

Malaysia's Zulmazran Zulkifli, Finland's Osku Palermaa and Thailand's Badin Lerdpiriyasakulkit could well find themselves out of the cut in 33rd, 37th and 40th positions respectively when the remaining squad complete their third block.

The top 48 will advance to the semi-finals round for another 6 games with pins carried forward. The top 12 at the the 24 games total will make the cut for the Round-Robin Finals.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Daejeon.

24th August, Daejeon: Korean PBA pro, Kim Young-Kwan set a benchmark of 4368 and an average of 242.67 for the other two remaining squads to beat after ending Squad C of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament third block qualifying round in the lead.

Kim Young-Kwan, 33 who turned pro three years ago after being in the sport for more than a decade, blitzed the lanes at Daejeon WorldCup Bowling Center with a cracking 279 in the opening game to take of the lead from overnight squad leader, Kim Jun-Soo.

Young-Kwan set a blistering pace of 248 and 278 in his next two gmes to build up a hugh gap of 122 pins over the Bucheon University student, Jun-Soo. The leader closed out the third and final block with 195, 268 and 210 to round off a 1478 series.

His 18-game total of 4368 and average of 242.67 became the new benchmark for the players from reamining Squad A and B to beat. Jun-Soo settled for second with 4332 after posting 1433 in this block.

Jeong Seung-Joo, who knocked down the highest 6-game series of 1513 took third spot with 4323 while the best female finisher, Kim Min-Hee took fourth spot with 4313 and Jeong Jae-Young rounded up the top 5 with 4206. Shinichiro Tamai posted the fifth 300.

The top 48 cut was set at 315-over or 226.25 average after the second block last night. Malaysia's Zulmazran Zulkifli has 4040, averaged 224.44 and Finland's Osku Palermaa 4022, averaged 222.39.

The two international players may well be in the borderline when the qualifying ends later today. Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia will most likely miss the cut after having felled 3954 pinfalls joined by Yoshinao Masatoki of JBC with 3841.

The fight for top spot will come from leader of Squad A and PBA pro, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland and Squad B and overall leader, Kim Kyung-Min of Incheon Transit Corporation. The Finn averaged 243.03 while Kyung-Min averaged 243.83.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Daejeon.

23rd August, Daejeon: Overnight first block leader, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland lost his overall lead to Korean Kim Kyung-Min despite retaining pole position in Squad A after ending the second block main qualifying rounds of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament on Tuesday evening

The reigning PBA Bowler of the Year and current WBT Ranked No. 1 continued where he left off from the first block to kick start his second block campaign with a splendid 268 opening seventh game.

Koivuniemi's effort gave him some breathing space after he was able to stretch his slender lead of 2 pins to 49 ahead of Kim Sik of Korea in second after the latter knocked down 279. Ths squad certainly set a blistering pace when two Koreans, Park Hee-Jeong and Jeong Jae-Hoon both missed the perfect game by a single pin.

The lanky Finn needed to be on his toes to keep his rivals at bay with another strong 255 in the eighth game. But Park was on fire following it up on his 299 with 247 and 269 to cut the deficit to just one pin after Koivuniemi managed only 188 in the ninth game.

The two-time PBA Bowler of the Year and winner of nine PBA titles did bounce back with 233 to again pull away with a 34 pin cushion.

Koivuniemi's less consistent scoreline in this block meant that he needed a 235 or more in his 12th and final game to overhaul Squad B and new leader, Kim Kyung-Min to retain pole position.

The Finn had seemingly all perfect pocket shots and was only waiting to see if it carried the stubborn pin-10. However, it was not to be when Koivuniemi ended with 226 for a 1402 second block. His 12-game tally of 2917 fell short by 9 pins which meant he had to settle for second behind Kyung-Min, who totaled 2926 in the first squad of the day.

American PBA pro, Robert Smith was pushed down to third on 2905 as a results of the Finn taking second spot. Squad C leader, Kim Jun-Soo also slipped one spot down to fourth with 2899.

Kim Hyun-Bum, who finished second behind Koivuniemi in this squad rounded up the top 5 with 2891 while Park Hee-Jeong posted the second highest 6-game series of 1476 to take up third in this squad and seventh overall.

The highest 6-game series went to JBC's Tomoyuki Sasaki who posted 1502 to claim fourth in this squad. The top 48 cut is shared by Kim Hee-Jung and Kim Young-Hwan, who both totaled 2715 or on an average of 226.25.

The players will resume with their third and final block of 6 games tomorrow to determine the top 48 who would advance into the next round.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Daejeon.

23rd August, Daejeon: Bucheon University student, Kim Jun-Soo grabbed the lead of Squad C after completing the second block of the Daejeon International Bowling Tournament main qualifying rounds at the WorldCup Bowlng Center on Tuesday afternoon.

Kim Jun-Soo, the 20-year-old physical and sports science student, who trailed KPBA pro, Jeon Je-Sun by 5 pins in yesterday's first block, started off well to take over the lead and moved 20 pins ahead of Je-Sun.

A poor 194 in the eighth game allowed Kim Min-Hee to take over the running as the student slipped down the field. The Korean women pro, however could not hang on to the lead as her fellow compatriot and KPBA pro, Kim Young-Kwan went ahead with a splendid 277 in the ninth game.

Young-Kwan continued with another strong 247 in the tenth game to pull away from Je-Sun and building up a 35 pins margin. Despite a lowly 204 in the 11th, Young-Kwan held the lead by just 1 pin going into the 12th and final game.

The limelight was undoubtedly stolen by the Korean youngster as Kim Jun-Soo bounced back with 268, 247 and 238 to end the block with 1418 for a 12-game total of 2899. Young-Kwan settled for second with 2890 while Min-Hee remained the best female bowler by taking up third with 2829.

Zulmazran Zulkifli of Malaysia, who rolled the highest 6-game series of 1471, was the biggest mover from 67th position in the first block with a poor 1210 to 11th position with 2681 pinfalls.

Jeong Jae-Young almost shot the fifth 300 during the 11th game but settled for 299 to finish sixth position on a total of 2741 behind Jeon Je-Sun amd Jeong Seung-Joo claiming fourth and fifth spots respectively.

The benchmark average of 252.5 set by Squad A and overnight leader, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland appears unbeatable as the Finn takes to the lanes for the final squad of the day.

The players will resume with their third and final block of 6 games tomorrow to determine the top 48 who would advance into the next round.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Daejeon.

23rd August, Daejeon: Overnight Squad B leader, Kim Kyung-Min of Incheon Transit Corporation shot the fourth perfect game of the main qualifying rounds of Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament to stretch his lead in the squad.

Kim Kyung-Min, who had only 7 pins margin going into today's second block, got off the mark with two superb games of 258 and 223 in his two opening games and begun to build up a bigger margin over second-placed, Kim Jin-Hyuk.

American PBA pro and winner of two international titles this year, Robert Smith made his bid with three strong games of 264, 278 and 247 yet found himself trailing Kyung-Min by 26 pins as the leader rolled the fourth 300 and No. 25 of the tournament.

Kyung-Min led from start to finish to add 1446 to his first block score of 1480 for a 12-game aggregate of 2926 and retained the lead in the squad as well as taking over top spot of the overall standings.

Kyung-Min has an average of 243.83 to still trail overnght leader Mika Koivuniemi of Finland, who has an average of 252.5.

Another Korean PBA pro, Park Soo-Young became the third player to surpass the 1500-mark with 1512 to leapfrog into third spot with 2863 behind the leading duo of Kyung-Min and Smith.

Jeong Tae-Hwa recorded the fourth 1500-series with 1506 to take up fourth ahead of Jeon Gue-Ae of Daejeon Metropolitan City, who became the best female performer with 2842 and rounding up the top 5 of the squad.

Squad C will take to the lanes at WorldCup Bowling Center for their second block while Squad A will end today's second block in the evening. The third block will be contested on August 24 which will determine the top 48 advancing into the Round-Robin finals on August 25.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Daejeon.

22nd August, Daejeon: Korea PBA pro, Jeon Je-Sun snatched the lead of the final Squad C of the first block main qualifying round at the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament to move into third position in the overall standings.

Shin Heon-Jin of Korea set the early pace with a superb 278 to lead Kim Yong-Kwan and Oh Kyu-Suk sharing second spot with 258. Kim Yoo-Jin of Pyongtaek City Hall immediately went to the front of the pack after she rolled 245 and 267 in her first two games.

But Kim Yong-Kwan of KPBA fired a sizzling 289 in the third game to move into the lead, 3 pins ahead of Goo Seong-Hoe, who shot the day's third perfect game to take up second position.

Yoo-Jin bounced back to regain the lead after the fourth game as the 20-year-old Kim Jun-Soo of Bucheon University closed in on the leader in second position with a strong game of 268..

Jun-Soo grabbed the lead after the fifth game as Yoo-Jin was unable to keep pace. But the limelight was stolen by Korean PBA pro, Jeon Je-Sun when the 41-year-old rolled 279 and 278 to close out the squad with 1486 for pole position.

Jun-Soo ended with another good 248 to finished second with 1481, just 5 pins adrift while the best female finisher was Kim Min-Hee, who took third spot with 1463. Both Je-Sun and Jun-Soo moved into third and fourth positions in the overall standings.

PBA pro and Squad A leader, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland remained in the lead with 1515 followed by KPBA pro Park Sang-Yong in second with 1513. Squad B leader, Kim Kyung-Min slipped down to complete the top 5 on 1481.

After just one block, the top 48 cut off mark is set at 164 over occupied by Kim Min-Seon of Daejeon Metropolitan City with 1364 pinfalls. KPBA pro, Park Jong-Soo is just off the cut by 1 pin.

The 225 players will resume their main qualifying round with the second block of 6 games starting with Squad B, followed by Squad C and Squad A in the evening. The third block will be completed on August 24.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Daejeon.

22nd August, Daejeon: Kim Kyung-Min of Incheon Transit Corporation took the second squad of the first block main qualifying rounds of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament to finish third overall after two squads.

Jeong Sang-Hoon of KPBA opened accounts with a superb 288 in the second squad to lead 2011 Thailand Open Women Masters champion, Lee Na-Young of Daejeon Metropolitan City by 9 pins followed by Toshihiko Takahashi of JBC and another KPBA Park Sang-Pil, who posted 269 and 268.

A scintilating 289 following a 254 in the first game from Baek Seung-Jun saw a third KPBA pro surging into the lead, 16 pins ahead of Park Soo-Young, who rolled 268 and 259 to trail in second.

Baek held the lead despite only managing 209 in the third game as the seeded Korean national bowler, Hong Hae-Sol closed in to take up second, just 1 pin adrift.

But for the next two games, a fourth 28-year-old KPBA pro, Kim Byung-Hak found his sweet spot to fire 289 and 267 to take over the running with Kim Kyung-Min of Incheon Transit Corporation trailing by 14 pins.

Unable to maintain the blistering pace, the Korean pro handed the lead to Kyung-Min after the latter bowled 254 in the fifth game while 26-year-old Kim Jin-Hyuk of Gyeongsangbuk-Do rolled back-to-back 279s to snatch second spot, 8 pins away.

Kyung-Min ended the block with 227 for a 6-game total of 1480 to claim pole position with Jin-Hyuk settling for second with 1473. Hong Hae-Sol clinch third spot with 1423 while the pace-setters faded off toward the end.

Squad A leader, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland remained in the lead with 1515 after two squads' scores were combined. Park Sang-Yong, who finished second to Koivuniemi, also remained second while Kim Kyung-Min finished third.

The last squad of the day will end the first block of main qualifying round today and judging by the scores achieved thus far, it would appear that the Finn would retain the lead. The second and third block will be held on the next two days before the field is cut to 48.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Daejeon.

22nd August, Daejeon: Seeded PBA pro and current WBT Ranked No. 1, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland snatched top spot in the final game of the opening Squad A during the main qualifying rounds of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament on Monday.

With the high standard of bowling seen over the past 12 days of preliminary qualifying rounds and the high scoring lane conditions, Jeong Jae-Hoon of Gyeongsangbuk-Do set a cracking pace with 288 in his opening game to lead Korean national and 2009 AMF World Cup champion, Choi Yong-Kyu by 9 pins.

Current WBT Ranked No. 1, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland stayed close to the leader by knocking down 279 to share second spot with Choi while seeded KPBA's Baek An-Geun was fourth on 287.

Baek shot another strong 258 to take over the running leaving Jeong to trail by 19 pins as two Koreans, Lim Dong-Sung and Lee Myun-Hun downed 279 and 276 respectively without making much headway.

Scores continued to soar as KPBA pro Park Sang-Yong and Thailand's Yannaphon Larpapharat shot the tournament's first and second perfect game of the main event. Park's achievement gave him the lead over Kim Hyun-Bum with 26 pins.

The 41-year-old continued to fire 224 and 279 to build up a 33 pin margin as Koivuniemi rebounded to close in on the Park. But the squad belonged to the lanky Finn after he finished stronger with 250 to snatch pole position with 1515.

"I came across a pair of lanes which I struggled a bit but other than that, I'm happy to start off well," said the 44-year-old Koivuniemi. "It's not just the first block, I've to make sure I continue to do well for the next two blocks."

Park settled for second with 1513 while 24-year-old Kim Sik of Yangsan City Hall stormed home to finish third with 1455. The best female finisher was Park Hee-Jeong of Daegu City who took fourth position with 1452.

Pace-setters Jeong and Baek ended in eighth and tenth positions with 1415 and 1402 respectively while Yannaphon managed only 40th position despite scoring the perfect game.

Squad B will take to the lanes at 1.10pm and Squad C at 6.50pm to complete the first block of the main qualifying rounds for the 225 players. The second and third block will be held on the next two days before the field is cut to 48.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Daejeon.

20th August, Daejeon: Park Min-Soo of Daegu City moved into third position in the overall leaderboard of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament with the highest 800 series on the final day of qualifying.

Park Min-Soo, who was 12th in the qualifying standings with 2276 from 774, 752 and 750, improved his lowest series with the tournament's highest 800 series of 843 to give himself a 9-game telly of 2369 for third overall.

The 24-year-old from Daegu City had posted the fifth 800 series thus far managed 694 and 628 in his other two series to finish fifth highest of the final day. Park Kying-Shin, who is second with 2384, topped the final day with 2261.

Kim Yoo-Jin of Pyongtaek City Hall, who finished second highest of the day with 2229, moved up into 33rd overall while Park Mi-Ran, also of Pyongtaek City Hall finished third of the day with 2227 and improved to 34th spot.

Park Geun-Woo, who shot three perfect games and two 800 series, retained top spot with 2393 ahead of Park Kyung-Shin in second and Park Min-Soo third. A total of five 800 series was posted and 21 perfect games acheived voer the 12 day qualifying rounds.

Three bowlers, Choi Jae-Nam, Lee Eun-Woo and Park Seong-Mook tied 123rd position to make up the top 125 qualifiers to join the 100 seeded qualifiers made up by bowlers from KPBA, JBA, Korean National Team, DBC and 14 invited overseas players.

Amongst the 100 are Australian PBA pro, Jasan Belmonte, two-time EBT winner, Osku Palermaa of Finland, current WBT Ranked No. 1, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland, three PBA bowlers Brian Valenta, Mike Machuga and Robert Smith.

The remaining five invitees are Remy Ong of Singapore, Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia, Yannaphon Larpapharat and Badin Lerdpiriyasakulkit of Thailand and Zulmazran Zulkifli of Malaysia.

225 qualifiers will battle the main event over three blocks of 6 games over three squads from August 21 to 23. The top 48 will advance into the Roound-Robin finals for another 18 games.

The top 5 at the end of the 36 games will qualify for the shootout TV finals. The winner of the third, fourth and fifth seed match will earn the right to challenge the No. 2 seed. The winner will then square off with the top seed to decide the champion.

Photos courtesy of KPBA.

19th August, Daejeon: Korean PBA pro, Park Kyung-Shin shot the tournament's third 800 en-route to topping the 11th day of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament to take up second in the overall qualifying standings.

The 34-year-old Park Kyung-Shin topped the Day 11 qualifying rounds with 812, 799, 726 for a total of 2337. With an earlier series of 747, Park has a 9-game tally of 2358 to finish second behind leader, Park Heun-Woo.

The left-handed Park, who turned pro 8 years ago, had finished second in the 2007 KPBA Cup and is currently eighth in the KPBA 2011 rankings. Baek In-Hoon of Incheon Transit Corporation, who finished second to Park on Day 11, took up 14th overall with 2276.

Gong Byun-Hee of Korea finished third best of the day with 2213 and took up 31st position in the overall standings. Park's superb effort dislodged Asian Games multiple gold medalist, Choi Jin-A into third spot in the standings with 2344.

Kim Soo-Young of Korea and Jeon Gue-Ae of Daejeon Metropolitan City completed the top 5 in the overall standings with 2331 and 2308 respectively.

The current cut at 125th position now stands at 2125 which is being occupied by Choi Jae-Nam. Qualifying will end tomorrow, August 20 and the top 125 will make the cut for the 18-games main game over three blocks commencing August 22.

The top 48 at the end of the main game will advance into the Round-Robin finals in which the top 5 will proceed to the TV finals on August 26.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Daejeon.

18th August, Daejeon: 2011 Thailand Open Masters champion, Lee Na-Young shone in the qualifying rounds of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament by finishing second to Park Geun-Woo on Day 10 at Daejeon Worldcup Bowling Centre.

Lee Na-Young of Daejeon Metropolitan City, who won her first international title after she beat team-mate, Kim Ji-Hye in the finals, rolled 782, 750 and 728 to become the best female of the tenth day of qualifying.

The Korean woman's effort improved her 9-game aggregate to 2274 to take up 13th position in the overall. Double perfect gamer and current leader, Park Geun-Woo stole the limelight again after he shot 799, 767 and 755 for the day's high of 2231. Park's 799 also improved his overall 9-game tally to 2393.

KPBA's Kim Choon-Hee finished third of the day to give himself a total of 2250 for 19th position overall. Korea's Lee Jil-Sang and Gokseong County's Cha In-Hwoa completed the day's top 5 with 2240 and 2219.

The top woman in the standings is Asian Games triple gold medalist, Choi Jin-A of Daejeon Metropolitan City with 2344 followed by Choi's team-mate, Jeon Gue-Ae third with 2308.

The cut at 125th position has been raised again from 2086 to 2107 and is shared by Korea's Hwang Seon-Jeong and Andong-Si's Kim Hu-Ri. Qualifying rounds from tomorrow onwards, August 18 to 20 are reserved for overseas bowlers.

The top 125 will make the cut for the main game commencing August 22 to 24 followed by the Round-Robin finals on August 25. The top 5 will advance to the TV Finals on August 26.

Photos by Terence Yaw.

17th August, Daejeon: Early leader and Asian Games triple gold medalist, Choi Jin-A put in another strong performance in the qualifying rounds of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament by topping Day 9 to move up to second overall with 2344.

Choi Jin-A had taken the early lead of the standings when qualifying round started on August 8 with 2279. But the Korean national southpaw, had slipped down to seventh position despite improving to 2298 with a best series of 770.

Her attempt of 790, 764 and 755 allowed Choi to top the ninth day qualifying rounds with 2309 and with an additional improvement of another 784 series, Choi now has a new 9-game aggregate of 2344 putting second in the standings.

Double perfect gamer, Park Geun-Woo remained in the lead of the standings with 2388, 44 pins ahead of Choi. Jeon Gue-Ae of Daejeon Metropolitan City slipped down to third with 2308.

Yang Un-Sook of KPBA and Kim Jin-Hyuk of Gyeongsangbuk-Do completed the top 5 with 2302 and 2298 respectively. The 125th cut has been further raised from 2002 to 2086 which is shared by Jo-Yung-Suk of Cheonan and Kim Seong-Kwang of KPBA.

So far, 297 bowlers have made their attempts and this could increase when the overseas players begin their qualifying rounds tomorrow for the next three days. The top 125 will make the cut for the main finals.

Photos by Terence Yaw.

16th August, Daejeon: Kim Byung-Woo of Busan topped Day 8 of the qualifying rounds of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament with 2206 as leader, Park Geun-Woo stretched his lead to 2388.

The 41-year-old Kim Byung-Woo rolled 795, 734 and 677 for a 9-game tally of 2206 to top the eight day of qualifying rounds. But his total only placed him 33rd in the field which has steadily increased from 258 to 281 players.

Meanwhile, overnight leader Park Geun-Woo stretched his lead in the standings from 2357 to 2388 after notching up another 794 to better his earlier third best series of 764. Jeon Gue-Ae of Daejeon Metropolitan City improved his earlier 2299 to 2308 to take up second spot.

KPBA's Yang Un-Sook slipped down to third with 2302 while early leader and Asian Games triple gold medalist, Choi Jin-A and Kim Jin-Hyuk of Gyeingsangbuk-Do rounded up the top 5 to tie fourth position.

The cut at 125th position has been rasied from 2002 to 2071 from yesterday shared by Kang Mi-Jeong and Kim Jin-Bok. August 17 will be the last day qualifying for the local bowlers as squads on August 18 to 20 are reserved for overseas players.

The top 125 will make the cut for the three blocks of 6 games each main game which will commence on August 22. The top 48 will advance to the Round-Robin finals on August 25 before the TV finals on August 26.

Photos courtesy of KPBA.

15th August, Daejeon: Korean PBA pro, Park Sang-Yong rolled the second 800 series of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament to take up 26th position of the qualifying standings at Daejeon Worldcup Bowling Centre.

The 31-year-old Park, who turned pro two years ago, started off with a sizzling 279 then followed it up with another stunning 278 before rounding off his attempt with 257 for a series of 814.

Park's two other series of 712 and 666 only gave him a 9-game tally of 2192 to take up 26th position in a field of 258 players so far. The Korean pro can surely improve his two other series which could move him up into the top 10.

The first player to score 800 was Park Geun-Woo of Gyeongsangbuk-Do, who occupied pole position in the standings with 2357. The leader also shot two perfect games in the process.

Another Korean PBA pro, Yang Un-Sook finished second with 2302 ahead of Jeon Gue-Ae of Daejeon Metropolitan City took up tird spot with 2299. Korean Kim Soo-Young and Bucheon University's Choi Tae-Seung rounded up the top 5 with 2291 and 2289 respectively.

The cut for the main game finals is now 202 over and is shared by Oh Young-Gi and Oh Doo-Jin with 2002. The top 125 will make the cut.

Qualifying will continue till August 17 for the local players while August 18 to 20 are reserved for overseas players. Official practice will be allocated to both local and overseas players on August 21 before the official opening ceremony.

Three rounds of 6 games each divided into three squads will be contested from August 22 to 24 followed by the Round-Robin finals on August 25 and the TV Finals on August 26.

Photos courtesy of KPBA.

14th August, Daejeon: East Asian champion, Park Geun-Woo shot the tournament's first 800 series en-route to taking over the lead in the qualifying standings of the Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament on Friday.

The 21-year-old Park, who won the Masters gold medal, a silver and three bronze medals at this year's East Asian Pacific Bowling Championship at Andong-Si, shot his second perfect game in his first game before rounding off with 234 and 266 for a record-breaking 800 series.

Park, of Gyeongsangkuk-Do province, shot his first 300 just a day before. His 800-effort added to his two other 3-games series of 794 and 763 moved the Korean lefty to top spot with a 9-game tally of 2357.

Six perfect games have been bowled since the start of the championship with Park scoring twice. Choi Tae-Seung of Bucheon University also struck twice on August 11 while Kim Jae-Hoon of Incheon Transit Corporation and Kim Jung-Soo shot the other two.

KPBA's Yang Un-Sook amassed 2302 from 785, 776 and 741 to take up second spot followed by Kim Soo-Young third with 2291. Jeon Gue-Ae of Daejeon Metropolitan City and double perfect gamer, Choi Tae-Seung tied fourth spot with 2289.

Overnight leader and top women, Choi Jin-A of Daejeon Metropolitan City slipped down to sixth position with 2279. The current cut at 125th position is shared by Kim Ryung-Hee and Lim Seong-Taek with 1985. The top 125 would advance to the main final rounds.

Qualifying will continue till August 17 for the local players while August 18 to 20 are reserved for overseas players. Official practice will be allocated to both local and overseas players on August 21 before the official opening ceremony.

Three rounds of 6 games each divided into three squads will be contested from August 22 to 24 followed by the Round-Robin finals on August 25 and the TV Finals on August 26.

Photos courtesy of KPBA.

12th August, Daejeon: Asian Games triple gold medalist, Choi Jin-A outshined her male counterparts by leading the qualifying rounds of the inaugural Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament underway at Daejeon Worldcup Bowling Centre.

Choi Jin-A, who has been left out of the Korean national squad for the World Women Championship in Hong Kong next month, first notched up 770, 760 and 746 for a 9-game total of 2276 to take the lead after the second day of qualifying rounds on August 8.

The Korean left-hander bowling for Daejeon Metropolitan City, improved her third best 3-game series to 749 to remain in the lead with 2279 in a field of 178 bowlers so far in the competition.

Bucheon College's Choi Tae-Sung claimed second spot with 2277 from 769, 768 and 740 series while 2008 East Asian Championship Singles Gold medalist, Kim Min-Soo of Daegu City tied third spot with Cheonan's Oh Hyeon-Soo on 2276.

Thirty-six professional bowlers from KPBA are competing with bowlers from Bucheon College, Busan City Hall, Cheonan, Cheonan City Hall, Cheongbuk National Sports Council, Chuncheonbu, Chuncheongnam, Daegu City, Daegu Sports Council, Daejeon Metropolitan City, Gwangu City Hall, Gyeongsangbuk, Suwon Sports Council, Uljeongbu, Uiwang City and from Korea in general.

The top 125 from the standings will make the cut for three blocks of 6 games each from August 22 where the top 48 will advance into the Round-Robin finals divided into 6 squads with pins carried forward.

The top 5 at the 36 games bowled will advance to the TV Finals on August 26. Players who finish in the top 50 will earn WTBA World Bowling Tour ranking points.

The tournament is the sixth leg of the inaugural World Bowling Tour with total prize funds in excess of 200 million Korean won (approx. US$185,000) with 50 million Korean won (approx. US$46,360) as top prize.

The Daejeon International Open Bowling Tournament is organized by Korean Professional Bowling Association, endorsed by Korean Bowling Congress and santioned by WTBA and ABF.

Photos by Terence Yaw.