3rd May April, Petaling Jaya: Sole Hong Kong, China national bowler, Michael Mak survived the cut in the Men's Open Round 1 finals to advance into the next round of the 42nd Malaysian International Open 2024 as Malaysians dominated the Men's and Women's divisions.
Mak started well with 203, 213, 235 and 231 in his first four games but dropped his pace substantially after the fifth game with 193, 209 and 201 and was hanging on in the top 16. The 2019 Asian Championships Team gold medalist had a scare when he ended the finals with 182 in his final game.
Fortunately others above and below him did worst and Mak was fortunate to barely advance in 15th with 1667. His team-mates, Wu Siu Hong, who was 15th before the final game failed to make the cut after a poor 164 in the eighth game to end up in 22nd position.
Desperado qualifier, Daniel Tse Lok Sang and Keith Mark Sin Ki also failed to advance finishing in 24th and 35th positions respectively. Malaysian national bowlers, Muhammad Hafiz Adlan topped the round with 1812, 51 pins ahead of team-mate, Megat Zaqrul Haiqal Bin Megat Zairudin in second with 1761.
Four Hong Kong, China finalists
Last year's first runner-up, Muhammad Hafiz Zainuddin took third spot with 1745 followed by pace-setter Matthew Ong Tzi Ming of Sunway Megalanes in fourth position with 1727. Cheah Ray Han was Singapore's best finisher to round out the top five with 1712.
The top 16 finishers advanced to Round 2 finals joined by the eight seeded local and overseas qualifiers from the general standings for another 8 games. The top 3 at the end of the second round will proceed to the Stepladder knockout finals.
Malaysians also dominated the Women's Open division by taking up the top five positions. National podium squad member, Nur Syazwani Sahar topped the round with 1836. Ex-international and five-time national champion, Sharon Koh did well to finish second with 1752.
Faten Najihah clinched third spot with 1749 followed by Alyaa Addini Zulamri and 2023 IBF WOrld Championships Singles gold medalist, Natasha Roslan completing the top five with 1716 and 1700 respectively. Best non-Malaysian finisher was debutant, Anna Andersson of Sweden in sixth positionw tih 1687.
The top 12 advanced to Round 2 finals tomorrow joined by the six seeded local and overseas qualifiers from the general standings for another 8 games. The top 3 at the end of the second round will proceed to the Stepladder knockout finals.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Round 1 leaders, Nur Syazwani Sahar and Muhammad Hafiz Adlan
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