Singaporean cracks top 3
16th April, Bangkok: Singapore national youth, Keith Saw cracked into the top 3 of the Men’s Open Masters overseas pool of the 38th MWA Thailand International Open at S.F. Strike Bowl on Monday. Saw registered 763 and 642 for a 6-game aggregate of 1405 pinfalls to occupy third in the overseas pool and earned automatic entry into Stage 2 finals while another youngster, Joel Tan finished fourth with 1380 to make the Stage 1 finals.
The 2011 Asian School Singles gold medalist had made an impact when he finished sixth during the 9th Kuwait Open Round 4 finals to advance into Round 5 but his fine run came to an end when he failed to progress.
Whilst Saw has earned an automatic entry into Stage 2 finals by finishing in the top 3, his team-mate, Joel Tan was less fortunate missing by 25 pins. Tan had, however qualified for Stage 1 finals and hopefully he can join Saw in the next round with a good showing.
Alex Tan and Ng Chiew Pang made the cut third and sixth in the mixed pool with 1334 and 1327 while other Singapore national bowlers, Basil Low and Javier Tan failed to make the cut finishing eighth and 11th in the reserve pool respectively.
Indonesia’s Ryan Lalisang topped the overseas pool with 1428 followed by Hong Kong’s Wicky Yeung in second with 1408, just three pins ahead of Saw in third.
2009 Thailand Open champion and winner of 2011 Macau and Indonesia Open, Yannaphon Larpapharat remained atop the overall and local standings with 1475. The Thai will be joined by compatriots, Badin Lerdpiriyasakulkit and Phumin Klandiba for Stage 2 with 1441 and 1440.
Joey Yeo is the only Singaporean who has made the cut for the Ladies’ Open finals in fourth position in the mixed pool with 1252. Kimberly Ooi and Joy Yap took up second and third in the reserves pool.
Korean Jun Gwi-Ae of Daejeon Metropolitan City led the overseas pool with 1366 followed by Malaysia’s Syaidatul Afifah in second with 1321 and another Daejeon lady, Sung Gyeong Eun third with 1312.
2011 SEA Games Trios gold medalist, Angkana Netrviseth topped the local pool with 1371 ahead of compatriots, Chantanee Sarnswang and Yanee Saebe second and third with 1308 and 1262.
Earlier in the morning, Alex Tan of Singapore Sports School finished a creditable second in the Youth Under-18 Masters finals with 1612 behind champion, Krittin Kunumphon of Thailand. Youth Under-15 second runner-up Brandan Tan missed the podium to finish fourth with 1487.
Soh Yong Ping of Singapore Sports School total 1487 but settled for fifth with a lower final game. Nu’Aim Syukri, Nicholas Goh, Timothy Tham and Joy Yap finished seventh, 11th, 12th and 13th position respectively.
Detailed scores: Men’s Open Qualifying | Ladies’ Open Qualifying | Photo Album.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Bangkok.