Singaporean takes first block lead

Singaporean takes first block lead

24th September, Manila: Team Singapore member, Jason Yeong-Nathan rolled 1843 in the opening squad of the 11th PBAP-Bevida Strom International Classic and remained overall leader when three squads completed their first block. The 11th edition of the immensely popular international classic got wnderway at Paeng's Midtown Bowl at Robinson Place with over 100 bowlers from different parts of Asia in the first block of 8 games in the Open, Classified and Youth divisions.

Asian Championship Trios bronze medalist and 2005 National champion, Jason Yeong-Nathan set the benchmark with a superb 1843 in Squad A followed by Chester King of the Philippines in second with 1786 and fellow compatriot, Shaun Ng third with 1772.

Thailand's Pasut Punsanthaveekul, who topped the second squad with 1828, fell short by 15 pins to topple the Singaporean for the pole position. Asian Championship Doubles gold medalist, Eric Tseng of Hong Kong took second position in Squad B ahead of team-mate, Michael Mak third with 1761.   In the third and final squad of the day, Chinese Taipei's Yang Nien-Hua managed only 1711 to top the squad but finished 132 pin off the pace. Pasut retained second with Liza Del Rasario third overall. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Open Graded champion, Andrew Lee of Singapore, snatched pole in the Classified division in the final squad with 1764. Lee finished 38 pins ahead of Filipina and Squad A leader, Liza Del Rosario, who settled for second with 1726.

Jeremy Fang almost gave Singapore a 1-2 finish if not for a poor game of 178 in his final game to drop to third. Fang shot 1683 with a 10 pin per game handicap.

In the Youth division, Pasut Punsanthaveekul's 1828 gave him the lead and ahead of two Hong Kong youths. Eric Tseng and Michael Mak took second and third spots followed by Malaysia's Syimir Abdul Razak and another Hong Kong youth, Ken Lin rounding up the top 5.   The top 24 in each of the three divisions after three blocks will qualify to the second round. The top 3 in the Youth divisions will be declared the winners while the top 6 fro the Classified and Open divisions will advance to the stepladder finals.

The organizers of the 11th PBAP-Bevida Storm International Challenge are very thankful and proud of their sponsors. Euro-Med Laboratories, Bevida distilled drinking water, Storm Products, Roto Grip, AZO, Wave products, Manila Hotel, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Airlines, and Bowlmart Training Institute.

Detailed scores: Open 1stBlk | Classified 1stBlk | Youth 1stBlk | Photo Album. Photos by Terence Yaw.