Another dominating display by Singapore youths
23rd December, Penang: Singapore's former national bowler, Helmi Chew captured the Men's Open Masters title of the 38th Penang Pesta International Open while Malaysia's national bowler, Sharon Koh claimed the women's crown after scoring a perfect game.The 29-year-old full-time coach at the Agape Bowling Academy in the republic won the title with a score of 5238, 121 pins ahead of Malaysians, Zaid Izlan in second and Adrian Ang third.
"This win is a big surprise. My decision to compete in the Open division only came after I failed badly in the graded competition," said Helmi, who quite the Singapore national team in 2005.
"But everything suddenly went right for me in the Open and I won a good Christmas gift." The best Malaysian finisher was national elite back-up squad's Zaid Izlan. The 22-year-old Selangor bowler finished 121 pins behind Helmi on 5117.
Penangnite, Adrian Ang took third spot on 5076. Meanwhile, 23-year-old southpaw Sharon Koh, who missed the cut for the Asian Games Masters stepladder finals, was crowned the Women's Open Masters champion.
Koh posted a high total of 4504 to regain the title she won in 2008, beating national team-mates and newly-crowned All Stars Classic champion, Esther Cheah in second and Wendy Chai in third.
The champion also shot the tournament's third perfect game en-route to winning the title. Singapore's Sports School's Muhd Jaris Goh rolled the second perfect game during the Youth Open finals after Malaysian Rodson Tong shot the first 300 during the Open Masters qualifying round.
Photos by Terence Yaw.