Perfect games set tone for qualifying
26th September, Singapore: The fourth perfect game posted so far set the tone for the qaulifiyng rounds of the on-going 40th Singapore International Open Bowling Championship at Superbowl SAFRA Mount Faber. Ex-national, Sam Goh hit the first 300 on Friday, September 21 en-route to winning the prize of S$10,000 only to seeing the purse having to be split with Malaysia's Suhaimi Rahmat, who got his 300 on Sunday, September 23.
As the pool of overseas bowlers arrived Singapore the following day, Finalnd's Mika Koivuniemi immediately found his line to score the third perfect game, splitting the pot 3-ways. Undoubtedly, Tuesday belong to an unknown from India.
Rjamohan Palaniappan of Tamilnadu Tenpin Bowling Association, competing for the first time in Singapore achieved India's historical feat by becoming the first Indian to score a perfect 300. The 40-year-old, in only his second attempt, posted 238, 222, 236 and 300 rounding off a 4-game total of 996.
The Indian bowler, who took up the sport 6 years ago, initially trained with a top Indian bowler, Remmy but was later coached by well-known American coach, James Porter for a while. Rajmohan is now coached by Malaysia's ex-international, Gerald Samuel for more than one and a half years now.
"My confidence level is quite high now that I have achieved the 300," said the delighted Rajmohan. "But bowling againsts some of the highly experience bowlers in the finals will be tough but I'll give my 100%. Rajmohan's score of 996 put him second in the Men's Graded A qualifying leaderboard.
Meanwhile, Mika Koivnniemi topped the Men's Open Masters qualifying table with a score of 1020 ahead of Filipino, Paulo Valdez in second with 948 followed by Chinese Tape's Ku Ching-Ho third on 929.
In the local pool, Singapore's youngster, Benjamin Lim Jia Jun stormed to the lead with a scintillating 996, dislodging early leader, Carl de Vries into second spot with 987. Ng Qenn finished third with 983 ahead of first perfect gamer, Sam Goh fourth with 980.
In the women's open division, Asian Youth Team silver medalist, Amanda Ng of Singapore, recorded the highest 4-game series of the tournament with 1024 on the second day of the championship. Ng posted lines of 272, 274, 247 and 231.
Teammate, Geraldine Ng finished second with a superb 987 while Valerie Teo took third spot with 968. Singapore national women, Rena Teng, Evelyn Chan and Sabrina Lim finished fourth to sixth positions.
Other national women in the finals were 2005 National champion, Jasmine Yeong-Nathan (8th), Women World's Championship Singles silver medalist and two-time national champion, Jazreel Tan (9th) and Jennifer Tan (10th).
The top 3 positions in the overseas pool were dominated by Malaysian women. World Youth Masters gold and Women World's Championship Team gold medalist, Sharon Koh of Malaysia took top spot after she reeled off 208, 216, 254 and 269 for a total of 947.
Teammates, Zandra Aziela finished second with 224, 255, 182 and 245 for a 906 series while Asian Youth Masters silver medalist, Zatil Iman scored 205, 181, 237 and 269 for 892 total to take up third spot.
Qualifying rounds will end tomorrow (September 26) and the top 13 local men, top 13 overseas men, top 12 from the mixed pool together with defending champion, Lee Yu Wen will bowl two blocks of 8-games finals on Friday and Saturday.
The top 10 local women, top 10 overseas women and top 10 fro the mixed pool will also contest the the finals over two blocks of 8 games.
For the first time in Singapore's histroy of tenpin bowling will be the staging of the stepladder finals in two specially purpose-built lanes at the Velocity @ Novena Square Shopping Centre.
The Singapore Book of Records has confirmed that the staging of the stepladder finals at a shopping centre is a record in Singapore. Singapore Book of Records will also be presenting a certificate to the event organiser, Singapore Bowling Federation during the finals. The stepladder will be telecast LIVE by ESPN to a worldwide audience.
Photos by Terence Yaw.