Well deserved victories
31st May, Singapore: Joel Tan and Oriana Tay Ling Ying took a well deserved victory in the Boy’s and Girl’s Under-18 Mastes finals of the 43rd Singapore International Open at Orchid Bowl @ Orchid Country Club on Monday. Desmond Lee Jian Wei got off to a great start reeling in 214 in his opening game but was edged by Gan Ju Yen after the second game by just 2 pins as Jeol Tan home in third after recovering from a poor start.
A superb 236 in Joel’s third gave the 14-year-old Singapore Sports School student the lead and with a renewed confidence almost brought the house to a standstill as he reeled in nine consecutive strikes.
But as it turned out, it wasn’t going to be his first career perfect game and managed only 278 to give Joel a 78-pin lead over his nearest opponent at the halfway point of the finals. Despite managing only 192, 172 and 172 in his next three games, Joel ended strongly with 221 to take a well-deserved victory in the Boy’s Under-18 finals with 1646.
“Although I was slightly disappointed for not scoring my first perfect game, it made me more determined to win the title,” said Joel Tan, who qualified for the finals in 16th and last position.
Jevarn Li stormed home in the last three games to snatch second spot with 1608 followed by another strong finisher, Anthony Low in third with 1604. Early leader, Gan Ju Yen settled for fourth with 1571.
SBF national development youth member, Oriana Tay Ling Ying, who took the lead for the first three games and lost it to Girl’s Under-15 champion, Tracy See, regained her lead in her last three games to emerge the Girl’s Under-18 champion with 1577.
Grace Fung also fired three strong games to clinch second spot with 1547 ahead of Rachel Ang third with 1529. A couple of low games in the crucial stage of the finals costed Tracy a podium finish when she ended in fourth position with 1513.
“This win is special and is a present to my mother who will be celebrating her birthday tomorrow,” said the delighted Oriana Tay, who will also be competing in the Youth Girl’s and Women’s Open finals.
On hand to present the trophies to the winners was Mr Goh Ek Piang, Deputy Director CCA, Education Program Division of the Ministry of Education.
Photos by SingaporeBowling.