Strong chance for Singaporean
21st September, Manila: There is a strong chance for Singapore's Benjamin Lim to automatically qualify for the Stage 1 finals of the 7th Euro-Med Storm International Masters Challenge underway at Paeng's Midtown Bowl. The tournament started two days ago with Hong Kong wonder kid and Asian Youth Games two gold medalist, Michael Mak taking pole with 1480 joined by team-mates, Cyrus Cheung and ABF Tour Bahrain leg champion, Eric Tseng finishing in the top 3.
On Day 2, Sammy Sy of MTBC-Henrich topped the qualifying rounds with 1408 followed by ABF Tour Macau leg semifinalist, Phiriyahbhoon P. and Annop Arromsaranon, both of Storm-Thailand in second and third with 1416 and 1412.
Ex-international Paulo Valdez of TBAM-Prima posted 1426 from two 3-game series of 741 and 685 which could earn him an automatic spot in the Stage 1 finals. Korea's Kweon Hyeok Yong finished second with 1411.
The final and third spot went to Benjamin Lim on 1381 after the Singapore downed a superb 729 but a lower 652 in his second series.If the top 3 positions stays this way by the end of the day, Benjamin could earn an automatic spot in the Stage 1 finals by being in the Day 3 top 3 qualifiers. Jason Yeong-Nathan was less fortunate missing in fourth with 1321.
Jason could try to finish in the top 3 positions in the next two days of qualifying round or improve his score to make the top 33 cut. The top 15 finishers from the five days of qualifying will be joined by the top 33 qualifiers for Stage 1 finals on Septmber 24.
Meanwhile, Asian Youth Games Masters gold medalist, Basil Low posted 1261 to take up eighth of the day ahead of Lee Yu Wen ninth with 1251. Remy Ong could only shoot 1223 and Mark Wong 1216 for 12th and 14th positions.
Eugene Low and Lionel Lim bowled a poor total of 1154 and 1035 and will have to step up their game to move up the leaderboard in the next two days.
Detailed scores: Day 3 Qualifying | Top Qualifiers.
Photos courtesy of www.jbowlmart.com.