Thai bowlers lead in first block
12th May, Bangkok: Thai bowlers, Angkana Netrviseth and Siriphon Mayura both led the Ladies' and Men's Open Masters first block finals of the 33rd MWA Thailand International Open at S.F. Strike Bowl late Saturday evening.
The top qualifiers took to the lanes after an hour delay and World Youth Singles gold medalist, Angkana Netrviseth immediately took the lead with 234 followed with 229 in the second. A 174 in the third allowed Chinese Taipei's Chien Hsiu Lan to grab the lead in the third game.
The Thai regained the lead after 203 and 209 in the fourth and fifth while 15-year-old Malaysian, Sin Li Jane fired 255 and 201 to take up third behind Chien. A poor 160 allowed Jane to move up to second with 200 while still trailing Angkana by 90 oins after the sixth game.
The eader went on to round off the first block with 193 and 211 for a total of 1697 with Chien recovering with 187 and 226 to finish second on 1590. Chinese Taipei took third and fourth places when Liang Ya Ping and Wang Yu Ling finished strongly on totals of 1587 and 1561.
Indonesia's Shalima Zalsha did well to finish fifth with a total of 1552 while Sin Li Jane fizzled out into 11th spot. The 24 finalists will continue with their second block of 8 games on Sunday at 9.00am.
The large group of Thai supporters had plenty to cheer when Siriphon Mayura topped the Men's Open first block with 1794 denying Malaysia's Daniel Lim the lead. Siriphon took the lead at the halfway mark from another Malaysian, Adrian Ang for a 22 pins cushion.
Siriphon's lead was narrowed to just 2 pins going into the final game when Daniel Lim attempted to upstage the Thai. With the crowd cheering him on, the leader brought home a 234 in his last game although Daniel gave his best with 224.
Daniel settled for second with 1782 with two Thais, Somjed Kusonpithak and defending champion, Yannaphon Larpapharat storming home to take up third and fourth spots with 1684 and 1673 respectively.
Early pace-setter, Adrian Ang dropped to fifth on 1663 ahead of Tim Mack of USA sixth with 1655. Singapore's men did well considering the strong field with Jason Yeong-Nathan finishing in 21st with 1534 while Lee Yu-Wen ended up in 29th with 1493.
Singapore's best lady performer was Sabrina Lim finishing in the top 10 with 1511 followed by Evelyn Chan in 13th with 1504 while Jennifer Tan and Rena Teng struggled in 20th and 21st positions.
The 40 finalists will contest for the top 6 stepladder finals with another block of 8 games with pins carried forward on Sunday. The top 16 Asian men and top 16 Asian women will also make the cut for the second leg of this year's ABF Tour Thailand which will be a knockout format of play and telecast LIVE on Channel UBC on Monday at the same S.F. Strike Bowl in Ngam Wong Wan Mall.
Detailed scores: Ladies' O 1stBlk Finals | Men's O 1stBlk Finals | Photo Album.
Photos by Terence Yaw.