Runners up positions for Singaporeans
29th September, Singapore: Singapore's hopes of retaining the title were dashed when Remy Ong and Cherie Tan lost their stepladder final matches in the 40th Singapore International Open staged at the Velocity@Novena Square in front of a capacity crowd. Singapore Bowling Federation went into the record books being the first to stage a tenpin bowling finals at the shopping centre that was telecast LIVE on ESPN. Almost 2,000 spectators had gathered as early as 4.00pm on Saturday to await the grand finale which was scheduled to commence at 5.30pm.
The crowd, was a little disappointed to see their local hero and World Champion, Remy Ong crashing out in the second match of the Men's stepladder to Malayasia's Daniel Lim. Lim won the match beating Ong and third-seed, Somjed Kusonpithak of Thailand, 205-172-177.
Lim, who was seeded sixth, had also earlier outclassed another Singaporean finalist, Carl de Vries and his fellow-compatriot, Aaron Kong, 257-195-210 in the first match. But the fine run had to end for the Malaysian when he was beated by 2004 PBA Bowler of the Year and top-seed, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland, 235-224 in the title match.
"To bowl and win the title at this shopping centre in front of the large crowd is quite an experience for me," said the lanky Finn after his triumph. "Although I've won the Santa Claus title 3 years ago here in Singapore, winning the Singapore Open in this surrounding is a completely different and satisfying feeling.
Cherie Tan also suffered a similar faith when the third-seed was defeated by Sharon Koh of Malaysia. The second-seed took the match with 231 to Cherie's 215 and winner of the first match, Tannya Roumimper of Indonesia, 164.
Cherie's teammate and 2005 national champion, Jasmine Yeong-Nathan and two-time Singapore Open champion, Wendy Chai were knocked out by Tannya in the first match, 205-211-225 in a thrilling women's stepladder match held at Superbowl SAFRA Mount Faber before the finals at Velocity@Novena Square.
In the all-Malaysian title clash between top-seed, Zatil Iman and challenger, Sharon Koh, it was Zatil who got the better of the World Youth Masters and Doha Games gold medalist, Sharon romping home a 237-216 victory to clinch her first-ever international crown.
"This is a precious moment I'll cherish for a long time to come after taking my maiden international title," said the 18-year-old UTIM student. "The changes made by coach Holloway has made a lot of difference and finishing second in the Asian Youth Masters finals has given me a lot of confidence.
Both the champions had earlier topped the 8-game second block of the finals at Superbowl SAFRA Mount Faber to finish as top-seed prior to shifting here for the stepladder finals.
His Honorable Singapore Minister of Defence, Teo Chee Hean presented the Singapore Book of Records Certificate to SBF and FIQ President, Mrs Jessie Phua for being the first to stage the stepladder finals on two purpose-built lanes at the shopping complex.
Photos by Terence Yaw.