Splendid start for World Champion

4th June, Singapore: World Champion and prolific Singaporean national bowler, Remy Ong got off to a splendid start in the Men’s Open Masters first block finals of the 43rd Singapore International Open on Friday. Remy Ong got off the mark with a superb opening game of 214 but found the going though as he managed only 181 and 189 in his next two games putting him mid-table in a field of 42 finalists.

But the 32-year-old national bowler bounced back to reel in consistent lines of 223, 225, 235, 247 and 224 for a total of 1748, just 21 pins off leader, Zulmazran Zulkifli of Malaysia, who downed 1769.

“I had a good start but came across two pairs of lanes which was a lot different from my first game,” said Remy Ong, who captured his first title this year with a victory in the Saudi Open in April.   “I made some changes to my game after that and fortunately I was able to bowl consistently. The lanes are no mean easy and there is another 8 games tomorrow. I hope I can carry my momentum towards the second block and make the cut for the stepladder finals.” Hong Kong’s Rickle Kam, who shot into the lead after knocking down a high game of 279 midway through the block, fizzled off slightly to slip down to third with 1729 while another Malaysian, Adrian Ang took fourth spot with 1703.

Asian Youth Games Masters gold medalist, Basil Low did well to stay with the leading pack to finish fifth with 1700. Defending champion, Shaker Al-Hassan of UAE took sixth spot with 1698.

Other national bowlers found the pace too hot to handle with Justin Lim Chun Liang in 17th, Mark Wong 25th, Lionel Lim 29th, Jason Yeong-Nathan 32nd, Benjamin Lim 34th and Jonathan Ang 39th. The second block will be held tomorrow and the top 4 will make the cut for the stepladder finals.     Photos by Terence Yaw for SBF.