Singaporean aiming for home victory

27th May, Singapore: The one title which has eluded Remy Ong is winning the Singapore International Open Men's crown as the Singapore national bowler stamped his mark by taking over pole position in the qualifying round on Thursday. Asian Youth Games Masters gold medalist, Basil Low had taken the early lead with 857 when the 43rd running of the immensely popular Singapore Open got underway two days ago. Gerald Ng took over the lead briefly with 870 only to see Remy Ong surging to the front with 927.

Ong, who will be leading Singapore's challenge in three major outings namely the World Men's Championship in Munich in August, the 21st Asian Championship in Abu Dhabi in October and the all-important Asian Games in Guangzhou in November, is hoping a victory will boost his confidence.

The Singaporean had won two gold medals at the 2006 World Men's Championship in Busan and the Masters gold medal at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha. Ong's latest success was capping the 4th Kingdom of Saudi Open in April.   Ng and Low settled for second and third while Kelvin Koh Yue Min and national youth, Ng Tiac Pin completed the top 5 with 852 and 831 respectively. Meanwhile, 2010 Rookie of the Year and BWAA Player of the Year runnerup, Jazreel Tan who is on a holiday break from her studies in the US, grabbed the lead in the Women's Open division with an effortless 879.

Asian Youth Games two gold medalist, New Hui Fen had to be content with second with 842 followed by 2008 AMF World Cup champion, Jasmine Yeong-Nathan third with 836. Overnight leader, Amanda Ng slipped down to fourth with 830.

2008 Singapore Open champion, Cherie Tan showed promise when she posted 817 to round up the top 5 as the only foreign competitor, Sabeena Saleem of India topped the overseas pool with 801.

National youth, Suresh Elangovan also took over the lead in the Youth Boy's division with a superb 870 to push overnight leader, Shaun Lau into second with 849. Another national youth, Marc Wee Ming Lei claimed third spot with 831.   2007 Singapore Open Youth Girls champion and twice runnerup, Gina Lim remained in pole position with 861 ahead of Joan Tan Lu Yun in second with 841. 2009 Penang Pesta Youth Girls Open champion, Michaela Oehler moved into third with 834.

Qualifying will continue through to June 2 and the Masters finals will be staged over two days on June 3 and 4. Photos by SingaporeBowling.