Singaporean off to a hot start

2nd May, Manama: Defending champion, Remy Ong of Singapore got off to a hot start to take pole position in the Squad A of the 9th Kingdom of Bahrain International Open after the two blocks ended on Sunday evening. Ong, who was third overnight in the first block, again did not have the best of start managing only 188 in his opening game as Ahmed Al Bastaki of Bahrain took over the running from compatriot and overnight leader, Mohammed Al-Shetti.

Despite an eratic scoreline in Ahmed’s next four games, the Bahraini national bowler was able to maintain his lead but was soon caught up by Remy Ong narrowing the gap from 35 pins to 4 by the fifth game of the second block.

A poor 189 from Ahmed saw him slipping down to third as Ong took over the lead with another Bahraini national bowler, Ahmed Mohamed Rahimi trailing the Singaporean by 55 pins. Overnight leader, Mohamed Al-Shetti ended in a disappointing 11th position.   Ong had as much as 101 pins ahead but a strong 267 from Ahmed Mohamed Rahimi in the final game almost caught up Ong but fortunately, the leader had the cushion and a creditable 203 to end the block in pole position.

The defending champion totaled 3625 from the two blocks with Rahimi in second with 3588. Both Ong and Rahimi will advance into the Round 3 Top 18 finals automatically and skipping the Top 38 Round 2 finals as the top two qualifiers in this squad. “I thought when I polished my ball for today’s squad would help but it turn out to be a disaster,” said the 31-year-old Remy Ong. “Fortunately I made a quick adjustment and was able to post better games.

Ahmed Al Bastaki missed the automatic qualification in third with 3544 while Sami Ahmed Noor stromed home to snatch fouth spot with 3534. Ahmed Rashid Al Noaimi rounded the top 5 with 3517.

Squad B will take to the lanes for the next two days and again the top 2 finishers at the end of the two blocks will advance into Round 3 finals automatically. Squad C and D will bowl their two blocks on May 5 and 6.   The top 2 finishers from the remaining two squads will also earn bye in Round 2 finals and directly into Round 3.

Detailed scores: Squad A Block 2 | Qualifying Standings. Photos by Terence Yaw in Manama.