Singapore misses podium again

3rd December, Macau: Singapore put in a galant display of fighting spirit but fell short by 30 pins to finish fourth in the Men's Team event of the 22nd Asian Intercity Tenpin Bowling Championship late Wednesday evening. Placed seventh in the first block with 2475 and 82 pins off leader, Kowloon, the Singapore quartet of Christopher Hwang, Justin Lim Chun Liang, Justin Lim Chia Loong and anchored by 16-year-old Willie Quek had a slow start in the fourth game with 731.

They posted a decent 799 in the fifth game and had a chance of winning a medal after trailing third placed Tamuning by 40 pins with leader Kowloon and Daegu too far away in front going into the final game.

The Singaporean youngsters shot a superb 840 but to their disappointment, Tamuning starved off their challenges to knock down 830 and good enough for the bronze medal. Singapore totaled 4850 to Tamuning's 4880 to end up in fourth.   Henry Hui, Perry Ko, Daniel Choi and Eddie Lui gave Kowloon the team gold medal with 5093 with Daegu taking home the silver medal with 5000 exactly. Kowloon last gold medal was almost 20 years ago. Kim Young Pyo won his second gold medal as well as a second for Daegu when he topped the All Events table with an 18-game total of 3975. Tamuning's star, Brian Manibusan took the silver medal with 3964 followed by Singles gold medalist Kong Byoung Hee the bronze with 3852.

Kim's teammate, Kim Jong Hyun finished fourth with 3812. Kowloon has all four in the Masters finals with Daegu and Tamuning three. Pohang CIty and Uiwang has two each while Hong Kong and Shah Alam made up the top 16.

Singapore has no finalists in the Masters with Justin Lim Chia Loong as the best performer in the All Events table in 18th position. Willie Quek, Christopher Hwang and Justin Lim Chun Liang ended up in 22nd, 44th and 53rd.   Detailed scores: Men's Team 2nd Block | Men's All Events. Photos by Terence Yaw in Macau.