Singaporean squeezes into finals
14th April, Bangkok: Newly-crowned Saudi Open champion, Remy Ong of Singapore squeezed into the Men's Open Masters mixed pool qualifying pool in tough lane conditions at the 37th MWA Thailand International Open on Thursday. Remy Ong, who won his first open title after he successfully defended the Saudi Open title two weeks ago in Riyadh, had struggled in very tough lane conditions at S.F. Strike Bowl but still managed 1830 to take up 11th position in the mixed pool.
The Singaporean had 643, 606 and 581 to his credit but made improvement to one of his lower 3-game series with another 643 to bring his tally to 1892 which move him up to fifth position.
A further improvement to his 606 would then haul Ong safely into the overseas pool thus securing his spot in the Stage 1 finals. His team-mates were less fortunate tough.
Basil Low and Benjamin Lim has yet to get their names into the standings after failing to find their strides. With one more qualifying day left tomorrow, a better effort from the duo could see them through.
2009 AMF World Cup, Choi Yong-Kyu and national rookie, Kim Byung-Suk gave Korea a one-two finish in the overseas pool on 2060 and 2036 totals. Early leader, Hussain Al-Suwaidi of UAE took third place with 2019.
2009 Singapore Sports School Under-18 champion, Dechochai Tinjiratip led the local pool with 2043 ahead of 2006 Thail Open champion, Yannaphon Larpapharat on 2024 and another youngster, Phumin Klanbida third with 2020.
The top 3 local and top 3 overseas qualifier would earn automatic entry into Stage 2 finals while positions 4 to 12 local qualifiers, positions 4 to 12 overseas qualifiers plus 13 qualifiers from the mixed pool will contest the 10-game Stage 1 finals on Saturday, April 16.
Meanwhile, Singapore women also found the lane conditions extremely difficult with Jasmine Yeong-Nathan being the best female. Jasmine finished sixth in the mixed pool with 1691 as Daphne Tan and New Hui Fen has yet to get into the standings.
Korean women also dominated the ladies' open overseas pool with a one-two finish. Lee Mi-Jin of Ulsan topped the table with 1841 ahead of compatriot, Lee Na-Young of Team Tae Jeon in second with 1812.
Overnight leader, Putty Armein of Indonesia clinched the third spot with 1803. She will join the two Koreans for Stage 2 finals as the top 3 finishers.
2010 ABF Tour Thailand leg champion, Angkana Netvriseth and Sariya Chongvarin will also advance into the second stage automatically as the top 2 qualifier.
Positions 3 to 6 qualifiers from the local pool, positions 4 to 7 from the overseas pool plus 7 from the mixed pool will contest the 10-game Stage 1 finals on Saturday.
Detailed scores: Men's Open Qualifying | Ladies' Open Qualifying | Photo Album.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Bangkok.