Good progress by Singapore keglers
11th May, Bangkok: Singapore national keglers were making good progress in the final day of qualifying of the 33rd MWA Thailand International Open as Jason Yeong-Nathan joined Lee Yu Wen in the Men's Open Masters table in sixth position. Lee Yu Wen was the first to confirmed his spot in the finals with a superb 927 to take up third overall while Jason posted 916. The duo were joined by Jennifer Tan, Sabrina Lim and Evelyn Chan in the ladies' division.
The 2005 national champion was fourth in the mixed pool of the Men's Open Masters qualifying table on a lowly score of 817 but stormed into the local pool to book his spot in the finals with 916. Lee Yu Wen had earlier firmed up his place with a superb 927 to take up third overall.
Topping the leaderboard was Tim Mack of USA, who vowed to return to his peak after a scintillating 951. Last year's second runner-up, Surasak Manuwong, who led the local pool was second overall with 944 ahead of Son Young Seok of Ulsan, Korea remaining in third with 933.
Other Singaporeans still to make the cut were Justin Teng (854), Lionel Lim (851), Shaun Ng (801) and Carl de Vries (782), all in the reserves pool. The unfavourable and difficult conditions have certainly taken its toll with the last qualifier only on a score of 856.
Mweanwhile, there were three Singapore national women safely in the finals led by 2005 ABF Tour Grand Finals champion, Jennifer Tan fifth overall with 858. Sabrina Lim joined Tan by topping the mixed pool with 839 followed by Evelyn Chan fifth on 821.
Leading the ladies' division was Zatil Iman of Malaysia with a score of 927 ahead of two Taiwanese, Wang Yu Ling and Asian Championship Trios gold medalist, Chien Hsiu Lan with 886 and 873 respectively.
Fourty men and 24 ladies will contest the Masters finals over two blocks of 8 games on Saturday and Sunday. The top 6 at the end of the finals wil proceed to the stepladder finals. The top 16 Asian men and top 16 Asian women will make the cut for the ABF Tour Thaiand leg which wil be held on Monday, 14th May.
Detailed scores: Men's O Qualifying | Ladies' O Qualifying | Photo Album.
Photos by Terence Yaw.