Singaporean stuns the Koreans
1st June, Singapore: Ex-national Derek Chan of NSRCC stunned the mighty Koreans after topping the Men’s Open Round 1 Masters finals of the 45th Singapore International Open at Orchid Bowl @ Orchid Country Club on Friday. The Korean national bowlers immediately made their presence felt when 2009 AMF World Cup champion, Choi Yong-Kyu and Hong Hae-Sol got off to a great start with 269 and 259 respectively to lead the field of 42 finalists.
But Singapore bowlers too made an impression when Vincent Lim Hai Loon took over the running after rolling 268 following his 226 opening game with Singapore national bowler, Jason Yeong-Nathan moving up into second.
After a brief one-game lead from Jason at the third game, Vincent regained the lead, 8 pins ahead of Jason as the Koreans began to home in onto the leading duo.
Four massive games of 279, 225, 236 and another 279 from Derek Chan saw the ex-national leading the field and as much as 48 pins ahead of his nearest Korean opponent.
Despite losing the lead after the eighth game, there was no stopping the left-handed Singaporean as Derek went on to finish on top with 2283.
“I had slipped out of the qualifying table last night and I only managed to make two attempts to make the finals,” said the 27-year-old MDIS marketing undergraduate, Derek Chan. “That was because I had to finish my final year exams.”
“It got me so much relaxed after that and I was able to bowl consistently and made a lot of good shots. I hope today is not a fluke and I intend to do well in another 6 games tomorrow to make the top 4.”
Another southpaw, Hong Hae-Sol stormed home with 259 in his last game to edge team-mate, Cho Young-Seon for second spot with 2262. Cho took third position with 2260 followed by four other Koreans.
Asian Games multiple gold medalist and another left-hander, Choi Bok-Eum slipped to fourth with 2211 ahead of a fourth left-hander, Lim Dong-Sung in fifth with 2179. Jang Dong-Chul and Kim Tae-Young took sixth and seventh positions with 2175 and 2146.
Malaysia’s best performer was top qualifier, Muhd Nur Aiman in eighth while Jason Yeong-Nathan dropped down to ninth after a good start. Defending champion, Shaker Al Hassan of UAE rounded up the top 10.
The men will return to the lanes for another 6 games in Round 2 tomorrow afternoon. The women will contest their Round 1 finals shortly and resume with their Round 2 in tomorrow morning. The top 4 women and top 4 men at the end of the second round will advance to the stepladder finals.Photos by Terence Yaw.