Singaporean rises to the occasion
1st June, Singapore: Two-time Saudi Open champion, Remy Ong of Singapore rose to the occasion as he stromed into pole position in the Men's Open Masters qualifying table of the 44th Singapore International Open on Wednesday. Ong had finished fourth overnight after just two attempts by registering 716 and 630 for a total of 1346. But top national bowler put in a superb effort with 703 in his third attempt for a new total of 1419 to take over the lead from compatriot, Benjamin Lim.
"I had a disappointing outing at the recently concluded Malaysian Open but the setback had made me more determined to do better this time, said the 32-year-old, who successfully defended the Saudi Open title in April.
"It's beginning to look like a trend. Each time I do bad in one tournament, I bounced back in a following championship just like in Kuwait and subsequently winning the Saudi Open. Hopefully, it will be the same here."
"Singapore Open has eluded me for many years and I've come close finishing second and third. Of course, there are more pressure on me to do well on home ground but it'll make me more determined."
Benjamin Lim, who led from the first day of qualifying finally got dislodged into second spot with 1380 while national rookie, Leong Ho Yun slipped down to third with 1377.
Over in the overseas pool, Hong Kong's Wu Siu Hong struck a sweet note when he reeled in 704 and 683 to move into the lead with 1387. Kuwait's Mohammed Kamel also impressed with 725 and 661 to take up second with 1386.
Sweden's Marcus Berndt, who shot the tournament's first perfect game, finished third with 1373 followed by Thailand's Badin Lerdpiriyasakulkit and Hong Kong's Eric Tseng rounded up the top 5.
The current cut stood at 1308 occupied by Australia's Sam Cooley. The cut is expected to reach at least 130 over with the final day of qualifying ending late Thursday, June 2.
Changes were also seen over in the women's division with 2009 national champion, Fok Ka Wai also taking over the lead in the local pool with 1383. Fok rolled 704 and 679 for the pole position.
BWAA Collegiate Bowler of the Year, Jazreel Tan improved her total from 1283 to 1364 but was content with second spot while Asian Championship Doubles gold medalist and reigning national champion, Bernice Lim finished third with 1329.
Jasmine Yeong-Nathan found her old form after her World Cup triumph in 2008 to finish a good fourth with 1317 ahead of Guangzhou Asian Games gold medalist, Geraldine Ng completing the top 5.
Newly-crowned Malaysian Open champion, Zandra Aziela of Malaysia continued her fine form to move into the lead of the overseas pool with 1367. Her splendid effort pushed down brief leader, Tannya Roumimper of Indonesia into second on 1342.
Overnight leader and Canon Cup winner, Lara Posadas of the Philippines settled for third spot with 1336 while Team USA member, Kelly Kulick shot 1300 to finish fourth.
The Youth Open and Senior Masters finals will be held tomorrow morning followed by more qualifying rounds. A desperado squad will be stage to select the top 3 with the highest single-game to join the finals on June 3 and 4.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Singapore.