Singaporean snatches pole
30th May, Singapore: Last year's second runnerup, Cherie Tan Shi Hua of Singapore snatched pole in the Women's Open first block Masters of the 41st Singapore International Open by just 1 pin on Friday evening at Superbowl Safra Mount Faber. This year's Canon 31st Malaysian Open champion, Jazreel Tan set the pace with a 232 and 213 opening two games with Malaysia's Choy Poh Lai second and 26 pins adrift. But two poor games from Jazreel saw the 19-year-old youngster dropping out of contention while defending champion, Zatil Iman surged to the front at the halfway mark with Cherie Tan just 6 pins behind.
A 203 and 214 from Cherie gave the Singaporean the lead but only 1 single pin ahead of teammate, Shayna Ng in second and the rest closely bunched up. World Bowlers Writers' Bowler of the Year, Diandra Asbaty looked set to end the block in pole but allowed Cherie to snatch the lead with a final game of 213.
Cherie ended the 8-game block with 1670, just 1 pin ahead of a recovering Zatil Iman in second with 1669 while 2005 Singapore Open champion, Hung Shu-Chun stormed home to clinch third spot with 1666.
"I was bowling well in the first half but when we moved to the left part of the centre, it was a lot oilier," said the surprised leader, Cherie. "Luckily I changed my equipment for the last two games and was able to maintain my score.
"My scores weren't very high today and I think I've to hit more higher games if I want to remain in front and a bigger gap than just 1 pin. Diandra Asbaty dropped to fourth with 1656 followed by Shayna Ng of Singapore and Liza del Rosario of the Philippines fifth and sixth positions.
"I'm glad I was able to be consistent today and not land low games," said Diandra, who is also here in Singapore to conduct a two-day bowling clinic. "Tomorrow is more important and I'll give my best especially with such great Singapore crowd behind me.
The women will continue their second block at 1.00am on Saturday, May 31 and the top 6 at the end of another 8 games will advance to the stepladder finals.
Photos by Terence Yaw for SBF.