19th June, Macau: 2018 ABF Tour Chinese Taipei champion, Lee Tak Man is poised to lead Macau's challenge for the Men's Open Masters title of the 2019 Macao-China International Open after topping the local qualifying pool.

Lee, who ended last year's campaign in a disappointing 16th position, will be hoping to make amends with a better showing when he takes to the lanes on June 22 after earning a bye and automatically advancing to Round 2 finals as top qualifier.

His compatriot, Au Hou Chon, who shared top spot with Lee on an identical total of 1410, also made the Round 2 finals automatically. Lei Hok Hin, who totaled 1399 is the third local qualifier to skip Round 1 finals.

2017 World Championships Trios gold medallist, remained in the lead of the overseas pool with 1479 followed by two-time Macao-China Open winner, Tomoyuki Sasaki of Japan in second with 1446. 2017 ABF Tour Chinese Taipei champion, Atchariya Cheng of Thailand occupied third spot with 1436.

Meanwhile, ex-Malaysian international, Hee Kar Yen led the Women's Open Masters overseas qualifying pool with a splendid 1362. The 2018 ABF Tour Macau leg second runner-up posted 695 and 667 to take up the top spot.

Hong Kong's Joey Yip finished second with 1281 while 2016 Thailand International Open champion, Yanee Saebe of Thailand joined the duo for Round 2 finals automatically in third with 1248. Joan Cheng of Hong Kong headed the mixed pool with 1165.

Although there are 15 places available in the mixed pool, there are only 10 qualifiers so far. The top 3 local and top 3 overseas qualifiers will earn a bye and automatically advance to Round 2 finals. Kingkamon Sarntong headed the mixed pool with 1037.

The top local seeded qualifier, local qualifiers positioned 4 to 6, overseas qualifiers positioned 4 to 7, 15 qualifiers from the mixed poool together with the defending champion, Misaki Mukotani of Japan will contest the 8-game Round 1 finals.