Impressive debut by Singaporean

13th March, Saint Maxim: Singapore's Shaun Ng Qenn made an impressive debut in the 2008 European Bowling Tour fifth leg in the Euro Brunswick Euro Challenge by qualifying in fourth spot at Le Plaza Bowling. Shaun Ng started moderately as he reeled off 214, 215 and 255 in the first series but posted a lowly 182 in the fourth game. But the 27-year-old 24th SEA Games Singles gold medalist recovered with two high games of 234 and 244 to end the 6-game qualifying on a total of 1344.

The superb showing put the Singaporean into fourth spot and therefore earning an automatic bye together with the Top 16 qualifiers into the Stage 2 finals. Positions 17-52 plus the top 6 from Squads of March 7-9 and the top 6 from the Desperado squad will bowl a 6-game finals to determine the other top 16 bowlers joining the Stage 2.

Sweden's Martin Larsen, Australia's Jason Belmonte and USA's Mike Fagan occupied the top 3 spots after Squad 9. Shaun Ng and another American, Tim Mack made up the top 5 with 1344 and 1338 scorelines.   The top 16 from this finals will meet the Top 16 automatic qualifiers for the best-of-3 games elimination knockout rounds with the field cutting down to 16, 8, quarterfinals, semifinals and the title match to decide the champion.

Another debutant, Benjamin Lim also did well to secure a spot in the finals when he knocked down 1237 to take up 38th position but two other teammates, Lee Yu-Wen and Remy Ong struggled in their initial round to finish 144 and 154 with 1103 and 1092 respectively.

Qualifying will end March 15 with Squad 22 and the Desperado squad will be held on Saturday midnight, March 15.

  Photos courtesy of European Bowling Federation.