Former national champion shoots 300
1st June, Singapore: Former national champion, Helmi Chew shot the first perfect game of the 42nd Singapore International Open en-route to occupying second in the Men's Open Masters qualifying table on Monday. Bowling only in his second attempt, Helmi notched up lines of 207, 237, 300 and 204 for a superb total of 948 to finish second to Singapore national youth, Gregory Gan.
"I've only been bowling in the league regularly and have not really trained at all for this championship," said the 2004 national champion, Helmi. "I wasn't even prepared to take part in this championship but was convinced by my league teammates to have a go.
His effort put the burly ex-national into second spot in the qualifying table behind Gregory and pushing down Andrew Lee into third spot with 947.
In the overseas pool, Naif Oqab of UAE continued to top the table with 986 as Kuwait's Yaqoub Al-Shatti stormed into second spot with a sizzling 954. ABF Tour Saudi runnerup, Ryan Lalisang of Jaya Ancol, Indonesia took third with 931.
Malaysian Open runnerup, Surasak Manuwong again impressed with 921 to take up fourth spot ahead of Hong Kong's Cyrus Cheung fifth with 917.
In the women's division, overnight leader, Shalin Zulkifli of Malaysia remained pole after a fine effort of 918 ahead of last year's runnerup and team-mate, Zandra Aziela in second with 899.
Jaya Ancol's Shalima Zalsha did well with her first attempt to finish third with 846 followed by 2008 World Ranking Masters champion, Wendy Chai of Malaysia and Chinese Taipei's Pan Yu-Fen rounding up the top 5.
Daphne Tan and reigning World Cup champion, Jasmine Yeong-Nathan remained in the top 2 positions of the local pool on scores of 984 and 982 respectively while Teo Li Ying improved into third spot with 917.
Asean University Championship two gold medalist, Kristel Oh and two-time National champion, Jazreel Tan completed the top 5 with 898 and 895. Most of the overseas participants have reached Singapore and the rush for a spot in the finals will certainly heat up intensely.
Photos by Terence Yaw for SBF.