National rookie impresses
31st May, Singapore: National rookie, Leong Ho Yun passed with flyng colours in his first international assignment when he stromed into second spot of the Men's Open Masters qualifying table at the 44th Singapore International Open. Leong Ho Yun, 22, who was recruited as a member of the national development squad this year, certainly make good impression on his selectors in his first major outing. Leong shot a sizzling 710 series to add to his 667 series rolled earlier for a total of 1377.
His superb effort put him just 3 pins behind team-mate and leader, Benjamin Lim, whose total was 1380. A good showing in the finals will give the rookie plenty to celebrate.
Two-time Saudi Open champion, Remy Ong improved from 1304 to 1346 after he posted 630 to add to his first attempt of 716 for fourth spot behind Jonathan Ng Yew Weng in third spot with 1358.
In the overseas pool, Emirati bowlers occupied the top three positions with Sayed Al Hashemi in pole position with 1343 followed by 2011 Dubai International Open champion, Shaker Al Hassan in second with 1330.
Hassan Al Zaabi did well to take up third spot with 1282 while Bahrain's Mohamed Ali Al Shawoosh and three-time Asian ranked No. 1, Hussain Al Suwaidi rounded up the top 5 with 1265 and 1262 respectively.There were no changes in the Women's Open local pool with Asian Championship Doubles gold medalist, Daphne Tan firmly in pole position with 1293 followed by Guangzhou Asian Games bronze medalist, New Hui Fen in second with 1291.
Jazreel Tan finished third with 1283 ahead of EBT Masters and 2008 Singapore Open champion, Cherie Tan in fourth spot with 1253. Bernice Lim completed the top 5 with 1222.
In the overseas pool, newly-crowned Canon Cup 2011 winner, Lara Posadas of the Philippines took over the lead in the overseas pool with 1336 after she rolled 704 and 632 series.
Australia's Rebecca Voukolos impressed with 1221 to take up second spot while Guangzhou Asian Games silver medalist, Tannya Roumimper of Indonesia finished third with 1212. Uella Marcial of the Philippines slipped down to fourth with 1153.
Qualifying will end June 2 and the Men's Open Masters Round 1 will be staged at 10.00am and the Women's Open Masters Round 1 at 2.30pm on June 3. Round 2 will be staged on June 4 culminating in the stepladder finals at 5.30pm.Photos by SingaporeBowling.