Singapore youngster vying for first win
29th May, Singapore: Singapore’s national bowler, Keith Saw will be vying for his first international title after a splendid qualifying effort to lead the Men’s Open Masters local table of the 46th Singapore International Open on Wednesday.
Keith, who tasted international success after winning the 2012 Asian Championship Singles gold medal in Hong Kong, came close to winning his first open title in March when he finished second in the 2012 Malaysian International Open.
Juggling between his tight study schedule, the 18-year-old managed to find time last weekend to reel in a superb 695 series in his fourth attempt. But a few more tries did not improved his standings by Sunday.
On Tuesday morning, Keith made his eight attempt to knock down a splendid 701 series to take his 6-game tally to 1396 which was good enough to move into top spot in the local qualifying pool.
“It’s difficult when you have to juggle between your studies and the sport you love so much,” said Keith, when interviewed this evening. “Luckily on Tuesday, I made an attempt and was able to match up to the lanes well.
“The field is less strong this year and I believe this is due to the fact that many teams are busy preparing for the Asian Indoor Games in July. Nevertheless, competition won’t be easy.
“There are still stiff competition from Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE and USA. I’m quietly confident of doing well and hopefully I can become the first Singaporean to re-capture the Men’s crown since 2006.”
Benjamin Hong, who led in the early rounds, slipped down to second with 1353 while Keith’s younger brother, Howard Saw impressed by taking up third position with 1348.
Overnight leader and strong title contender, Zulmazran Zulkifli of Malaysia remained in the lead of the overseas pool with 1445 ahead of Thai youngster, Dechochai Tinjiratip finished second with 1397.
Malaysian sensation and 17-year-old Rafiq Ismail moved up to third with 1395 followed by two of his team-mates, Alex Liew and Isaac Russell Paul rounding out the top 5 with 1394 and 1347 respectively.
2004 Singapore Open, Tim Mack of USA, who has just completed his coaching stint in Bahrain, did well to take up sixth position with 1328 while defending champion, Hong Hae-Sol, who earned an automatic entry into the finals, remained a strong contender as well.
Meanwhile, there were no major changes in the qualifying table of the Women’s Open local and overseas pool. 2008 champion, Cherie Tan continued to lead the local standings with 1413.
New Hui Fen sit comfortably in second with 1362 followed by 2012 AMF World Cup and 2013 DHC International Open champion, Shayna Ng in third with 1324.
Malaysian women continued to remained a strong force having taken the top 5 positions in the overseas pool with Esther Cheah leading the charge with 1334. Five-time national champion, Shalin Zulkifli and Jacqueline Sijore completed the top 3 with 1325 and 1312.
Keen challenges will also come from bowlers from Daejeon Metropolitan City, Korea especially this year’s Thailand Open champion, Kim Min-Hee and Team Bowlmart’s Lara Posadas of the Philippines.
Qualifying will continue for another day tomorrow and those who made the cut for the finals will bowl two blocks of 10 games each on May 31 and June 1. The top 4 men and top 4 women will then advance to the stepladder finals.
Detailed scores: Women’s Open Qualifying | Men’s Open Qualifying | Photo Album.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.