National Elite steals limelight

National Elite steals limelight

25th March, K.Lumpur: ABF Tour TOC Champion, Daniel Lim and Manila SEA Games Gold medalist, Choy Poh Lai stole the limelight on day 5 of the on-going 29th Malaysian International Open Bowling Championship at Pyramid Mega Lanes Saturday.  Lim, who was the 2004 Malaysian Open champion, was in tenth position before blazing the lanes to post 966 and moved into second spot in the Men's Open Masters qualifying table. The 29-year-old chalked up lines of 237, 268, 233 and 228 for an average of 241.5.

"I started off the first two days of qualifying poorly and couldn't find my rythmn," said Lim. "I had a good rest yesterday and when I reach the bowling center, I had a good feeling that I'll be able to qualify.

Leading the pack was still National bowler, Zaid Izlan B Ibrahim Hakimi from Kajang, who totaled 975 on Thursday. Asian Youth Gold medalist, Jonathan Lim dropped to third but safely in the finals with 960 while reigning National Champion, Adrian Ang and teammate, Mohd Noer Said from Sabah were joint fourth on 949.

Meanwhile, SEA Games Gold medalist, Choy Poh Lai also stole the limelight with an outstanding score of 923 to move up from seventh to second. The 25-year-old, who have yet to win a major title, posted lines of 244, 232, 232 and 215. Just 3 pins ahead Choy was current leader, Siti Khadijah Osman of Selangor with 928.

Four-time National Champion and ex-national, Shalin Zulkifli droped one rung to third with 890 while World Championship and Manila SEA Games Gold medalist, Esther Cheah settled for fourth with 866.

2005 ABF Tour TOC champion, Wendy Chai completed the top 5 in fifth with a score of 855. Kang Hyun-Jin of Korea took over the lead in the overseas pool with a score of 868 with compatriot, Kim Eun-Jung in second with 830. Selangor Open champion, Lee Eun-Ock dropped to third with 825.

Qualifying ends 30th March and the finals will be held on the 31st March and 1st April. The top 16 Asian men and women will make the cut for the ABF Tour - Canon Malaysia leg on the 2nd April.

Photos by Terence Yaw, MTBC.