Singapore women continue to dominate
22nd July, Jakarta: Singapore women continued to dominate the qualifying rounds of the 9th Indonesia International Open by retaining the top 3 spots of the overseas pool on Friday. Newly-crowned Hong Kong Open led the Women's Open Masters qualifying table after she posted 733 and 700 yesterday to lead Singapore's challenge for another international title this month.
"Qualifying in pole is a nice feeling but it is th finals that count," said Shayna Ng. "It would also be nive to come away with another title and to do that, I've to stay focus and do my best."
Bernice Lim, who won her first international title at the same venue in 2007 when she was only 15, would welcome a return to the winning circle if she can also come away with a victory here.
Bernice notched up a better series of 709 to take her tally to 1380 and claimed second spot behind Shayna. New Hui Fen, who was second overnight, slipped down to third with 1354 but still retained her top 3 spots who would advance into Round 2 finals automatically.
Putty Armein led Indonesia's challenge for the women's crown after she moved into top spot of the local pool with 1384. Novie Phang and national rookie, Puteri Astari finished second and third with 1335 and 1294.
Fok Ka Wai made the cut sixth in the mixed pool with 1247 as Kristel Oh was the only Singapore women yet to make the cut.
In the men's division, Benjamin Lim remained the only Singapore men having made the cut by taking up top spot in the mixed pool with 1405. Jevarn Li, Jason Yeong-Nathan, Ng Tiac Pin, Ng Chiew Pang and Basil Low have yet to make the cut.
Macau China Open champion, Yannaphon Larpapharat of Thailand took over the lead of the overseas pool with 1487 after posting a stunning 788 3-games series this afternoon. Wu Siu Hong of Hong Kong slipped down to second with 1461.
Malaysia's Zulmazran Zulkifli stormed into third spot to earn the final automatic cut for Round 2 finals with 1441 edging newly-crowned ABF Tour Hong Kong leg champion, Annop Arromsaranon of Singha Thai by 3 pins in fourth.
The current cut stood at 1334 held by Malaysia's Syafiq Ridhwan and with one more day of qualifying left, it will still be around the 150-160 over margin to make the cut.
Qualifying will end tomorrow, July 23 and the Masters finals will be staged over two rounds of 10 games each on July 24 and 25.
Detailed scores: Women's Open Qualifying | Men's Open Qualifying | Photo Album.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Jakarta.