4th October, Bangkok: 2011-12 PBA Player of the Year and 2013 PBA-WBT Thailand champion, Sean Rash of Montgomery, Ill., United States took over the qualifying lead of the PBA-World Bowling Tour Thailand on Wednesday at Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl Paragon.
Rash, 35, who won the Gene Carter's Pro Shop Classic for his 12th career title, had headed the second bracket in tenth position with a nine-game tally of 2170 from 748, 720 and 702 just before his latest attempt. The 35-year-old notched up a sizzling 792 series to move into the lead with 2260.
The leader picked up his seventh career PBA title with victory over four-time PBA Player of the Year, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland in the 2013 PBA World Bowling Tour Thailand finals. In 2016, Rash won the Detriot Open for back-to-back Fall Swing titles and 11th of his illustrious career thus far.
Sean Rash taking over the lead on final qualifying day
Overnight leader and 29th SEA Games Team silver medallist, Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia dropped to second with his 2244 total which stood since the opening day. 2015 DHC Japan Invitational and 2014 QubicaAMF World Cup champion, Chris Barnes of Double Oak, Texas also slipped down to third with 2223.
2016 PBA-WBT 16th Qatar Open champion, Diana Zavjalova of Latvia, who is the top female qualifier and with 8 pins handicap per game alloted, moved up into fourth position with 2219. 2017 Grand Casino Hotel & Resorts PBA Oakland Open champion, Marshall Kent of Takima, Wash., USA, who had struggled on his first day of qualifying rounds, eventually found his line and form to make the top bracket in fifth with 2218.
2014 Asian Games gold medallist and top Thai national bowler, Yannaphon Larpapharat improved his 9-game tally to 2201 to earn sixth position while 2015 PBA World Bowling Tour Thailand first runner-up and owner of seven PBA titles, Ryan Ciminelli of Cheektowaga, N.Y., occupied the seventh and final top bracket spot with 2199.
5th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games Singles gold medallist, Annop Arromsaranon earned eighth position reserved for the top local qualifier to advance to Round 4 Finals. 29th SEA Games Trios Gold medallist, Surasak Manuwong took up ninth position reserved for the top Thai qualifier outside the top 7 for Round 3.
Top Japanese PBA earner, Shota Kawazoe registered series of 756, 739 and 705 to head the second bracket with 2197 while defending champion and winner of 2017 MainQuarterly.com Roth/Holman Doubles for his sixth career title, Jesper Svensson of Gothenburg, Sweden finished 11th with 2194.
Three perfect games qualifier, Timmy Tan of Malaysia is the cut in 24th position with 2143. 2014 PBA-World Bowling champion, Osku Palermaa of Finland headed the third bracket on 2143 and together with 14 other qualifiers, will have to contest Round 2 Finals and finished in the top 10 in order to advance to the next round.
Top female finisher, Diana Zavjalova in fourth position
The cut in 37th position is shared by 29th SEA Games triple Gold medallist, Shalin Zulkifli of Malaysia and 29th SEA Games Trios silver medallist, Kim Bolleby of Thailand on 2119 (averaging 235.44) and if it stays, a one-ball roll-off will be held to break the tie.
At least a dozen not in the cut and having one or two 700-series, could improved their lowest 3-games series to make the cut for the finals with six more qualifying squads left before ending late tonight. The cut could well increase to as much as 2130. A one-game desperado squad will be staged to add three additional Round 2 qualifiers making it a total of 18 finalists. The top 10 finishers will advance to Round 3 Finals. Both the two rounds will be held tomorrow. Round 4 and the Round 5 TV FInals will conclude the bowling tour on October 6.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Bangkok.
Related stories:
American PBA pro stamps his mark
Indonesian shoots 300 for lead
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