Outstanding performance by Singaporean
12th December, Bangkok: Trios gold medalist, Remy Ong of Singapore, put in an outstanding performance to top the Men's first block Masters finals in the 24th SEA Games Bowling CHampionship with a comfortable margin of 78 pins. Remy Ong of Singapore had a moderate start with 197 but quickly picked up his pace with outstanding lines of 246, 212, 203, 247, 261, 201 and easing off with 192 to top the Men's first block Masters finals with 1819.
After a keen tussle for the lead between Indonesia's Ryan Lalisang and local hero, Somjed Kusonpithak, Ong lead briefly after the third game but Somjed fought back and regain the lead at the halway mark.
But Ong's pace was simply too hot for the Thai and Indonesian to handle. Malaysia's Adrian Ang, who trailed Ong all the way in the second half, settled for second with 1741, 78 pins adrift.
Lalisang finished third with 1737 as Thailand's Yannaphon Larpapharat recovered from a poor start to end the block in fourth with 1713. Ong's teammates, Jason Yeong-Nathan and Shaun Ng Qenn failed to make any impression ending in a disappointing 15th and 16th positions.
In the women's division, Jennifer Tan did herself proud when she won half of the 8 matches to finish sixth spot with 1603. Tan led for only one game after the sixth match by 14 pins but ease off towards the end.
Malaysia's Sharon Koh and Esther Cheah finished 1-2 with 1696 and 1670, just 26 pins separating the Malaysians. First half leader, Sharon Limansantoso of Indonesia tied third spot with teammate and singles gold medalist, Tannya Roumimper on 1632.
Singapore's remaining women finalist, Jasmine Yeong-Nathan only won 2 out of 8 matches and her highest game was 235 in the seventh game. Jasmine could only manage a 12th place finish with 1497.
The finalists will return to SF Strike Bowl for another 8-game second block finals during which the top 3 in both divisions will make the cut for the stepladder finals. The final event, Mixed Doubles will be contested on Friday, December 14.
Detailed scores: Women's 1stBlk Masters | Men's 1stBlk Masters | and Photo Album.
Photos courtesy of MTBC.