National bowlers aims high

National bowlers aims high

24th March, K.Lumpur: SEA Games two Gold medalist, Aaron Kong displayed his determination to stamp his mark in the on-going 29th Malaysian International Open Bowling Championship after posting an impressive 938 to assure himself a place in the finals. Kong, who turned on his best performance last year by winning the Trios and Team Gold medal in the SEA Games, bowled consistenly with lines of 236, 235, 231 and 236 for a total of 938 to take up sixth in the Men;s Open Masters qualifying leaderboard.

"When I found the line in my fourth squad last night, I had three good games but a poor 151 in the final game pull down my chance of a qualifying spot," said the 19-year-old Penangnite. "So when I took to the lanes this morning, I was confident that I can do well.

"Of course I would like to finish in the top 3 in the finals but my goal this year besides doing well in the World Youth in Germany and Men's World Championship in Korea, is to also be in the top 3 in the Asian Ranking.   Asian Youth Gols medalist, Jonathan Lim also did well to notched up 960 to occupy second spot, just 15 pins behind leader and teammate, Zaid Izlan, who topped the field with 975. Also improving was last year's ABF Tour alaysia leg champion, Zulmazran Zulkifli who moved up from 11th to eigtht with 930.

The first of the overseas bowlers to take on to the lanes were the Koreans, led by Bowling Camp Chief Coach, James Kim. Kim Ko-Won posted a moderate 857 to lead the overseas pool with Choi Won-Young in second with 805.

In the ladies' division, 2004 Malaysian Open runner-up, Siti Khadijah Osman continued to lead the table with 928 followed by four-time National champion, Shalin Zulkifli in second with 890. Shalin missed winning the Canon digital camera high game award with 275 after National youth Tengku Afnan posted 290 to snatch away the prize.   SEA Games and Asian Youth Gold medalist, Esther Cheah maintained third spot with 866 with 2005 ABF Tour TOC champion, Wendy Chai fourth with 855. Reigning National Champion, Sharon Koh improved from ninth to fifth with 845.

In the Youth Boy's Open division, last year's Junior Circuit GP Finals champion and national youth, Khairul Hafidz shot to the front with a superb 969 dislodging overnight leader and winner of the first Canon camera, Mohd Hilmi Zailan into second on 918. Ex-national youth Kurtwin Low finished third with 909.

Ex-national bowler, Voon Kim Ling from Penang took over the lead with 847 from overnight leader, Christyn Chew, who dropped to second with 841. Selangor Open Youth champion, Amalyn Kelana finished third with 833.

  Photos by Terence Yaw, MTBC.