Singaporeans take early lead

26th May, Singapore: National keglers, Daphne Tan and Benjamine Lim took the early lead in the Women's and Men's Open Masters qualifying standings of the 44th Singapore International Open underway at Orchid Bowl, Orchid Country Club.  Daphne rolled a superb 647 three-game series to add to her 578 shot earlier for a 6-game aggregate of 1225 for the lead while Benjamin downed 1315 with 695 and 620 series to lead the men's division.

Daphne Tan, who won partnered Bernice Lim to win the 2011 Asian Championship Doubles gold medal, impressed with a first effort of 578.

And the 20-year-old Daphne improved with another splendid 647 series for a 6-game tally of 1225 to take over the lead from team-mate, New Hui Fen, who led with 1200 from the first day of the championship.

Amanda Ng came in third with 1144 while EBT Masters champion, Cherie Tan managed two identical 550 series to take up fourth with 1100. Teo Li Ying rounded up the top 5 with 1077.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Lim Jia Jun took the early lead in the Men's Open division with a superb 1315 effort from 695 and 620 series. Ex-national and 2005 Singapore Open champion, Jack Wong still showed class when he finished second to Benjamin with 1270.

Ho Yean Kee finished fourth with 1183 followed by another national bowler, Eugene Low completing the top 5 with 1148.

Most of the national bowlers are competing at the on-going 34th Canon Malaysian International Open and will be back by 30 May and straight into their qualifying rounds. Majority of the overseas bowlers competing there will also be taking part in the championship.

The top 13 from the local pool, top 13 from the overseas pool, top 12 from the mixed pool, top 3 from the desperado squad will join the defending champion, Cheng Chao-Yu from Chinese Taipei for the Men's Open Stage 1 finals on 3 May over 8 games and Stage 2 on 4 May over another 8 games.

The top 4 will then advance into the stepladder finals shootout. The top 10 from local, top 10 from the overseas pool and top 9 from the mixed pool will join the defending champion, Sin Li Jane of Malaysia for the Stage 1 and Stage 2 finals. Again the top 4 will advance to the stepladder finals.Photos by Terence Yaw.