Malaysian, Finn maintains overseas pool lead
27th September, Singapore: Women World Championship gold medalist, Sharon Koh of Malaysia and 2004 PBA Bowler of the Year, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland mainntained their lead in the women's and men's open overseas pool on the final day of qualifying at the 40th Singapore International Open. Women World's Championship gold medalist, Sharon Koh continued to lead the Women's Open Masters overseas pool table with a 4-game total of 947 posted two days ago, followed by teammate, Zandra Aziela in second with 906.
Newly-crowned Hong Kong Open champion, Shalin Zulkifli, who was languishing in the mixed pool yesterday, stepped up her game to finish a creditable third with 905. Whilst Wendy Chai is 8th in the mixed pool and looked vulnerable, she will be making additional attempts later this evening.
Singapore's Amanda Ng also maintained the lead in the local pool with 1024 posted on the second day of the championship. Fellow compatriots, Geraldine Ng and Valerie Teo finished second and third with 987 and 968 respectively.
Perfect gamer, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland remained in pole position in the Men's Open overseas pool with Thailand's Yannaphon Larpapharat improving to second with 989. But Malaysian national bowlers were beginning to stake their claim for the men's crown.
Leading the Malaysian charge were Adrian Ang, who posted 957 to take up third spot ahead of Filipino, Paulo Valdez making a comeback after a long break from international competition. Valdez scored 948 for fourth spot.
Singapore's Benjamin Lim remained in front of the local pool with 996 followed by Carl de Vries and Ng Qenn in second and third. First perfect gamer, Sam Goh took fourth position with Faizal Chew rounding up the top 5.
The 5.30pm squad just finished at 9.00pm and there would be an additional hour for lane dressing before three final squads of 8.00pm, 9.30pm and 11.00pm will most likely be running late by 2 hours.Photos by Terence Yaw.