Qualifying battle heats up

26th March, K.Lumpur: Qualifying for a place in the Masters finals of the on-going 29th Malaysian International Open Bowling Championship intensify as the the overseas bowlers arrive at Pyramid Mega Lanes Sunday afternoon. Making an immdieate impact was Hussian Al-Suwaidi of the United Arab Emirates posting a 4-game total of 923 to take up second spot. Hussain's line was 215, 236, 203 and 278 with his final game standing a good cahnce to bag the Canon PoserShot A410 digital camera as highest game of the day award.

Leading the overseas pool was Korea's Kim Ko Won, who chalked up 932 for the lead. 2005 Thailand International Open champion, Sitiphol Kunaksorn of Thailand impressed with a score of 912 in only his first attempt since arriving late last night.

National bowler, Zaid Izlan maintained his pole position in the local pool with 975 scored three days ago. Newly-crowned ABF Tour TOC champion, Daniel Lim took second spot, just 9 pins adrift with 966 while Asian Youth Gold medalist, Jonathan Lim finished third on 960.   Korea's Kim Ae-Young grabbed top spot in the overseas pool of the ladies' division with a score of 868 after posting lines of 257, 190, 235 and 226. Compatriot, Kim Eun-Jung took second spot with 830 followed by 2005 Selangor Open Champion, Lee Eun-Ock third on 825.

There were no changes in the local pool with 2004 Malaysian Open runner-up, Siti Khadijah Osman leading the pack with 928 followed by Manila SEA Games Gold Team medalist, Choy Poh Lai in second with 923. Four-time National Champion, Shalin Zulkifli was third with 890.

The scores will get higher by the day as more and more overseas bowlers converge at Pyramid Mega Lanes in the next few days. Qualifying will end 30th March and the Masters finals will held on the 31st March and 1st April.     Photos by Terence Yaw, MTBC.