20th July, Hong Kong: Topseeds, Rafiq Ismail of Malaysia and Iliya Syamim of Singapore captured the Men's and Women's Open Masters titles at the concluding 45th Hong Kong International Open on Saturday.

Ismail had to work doubly hard in the championship match against second-seed and challenger, Ahmad Muaz for the victory. Muaz forced the all-Malaysian tie into a decider after he narrowly beat Ismail, 244-236.

But Muaz suffered an unlucky injury having torn the skin on two of his delivery fingers and had to painfully complete the match in defeat. Rafiq went on to take victory, 223-174 for his second title this month after having bagged the EBT Masters crown in Madrid, Spain.

Muaz dispatched third-seed and newly-crowned Youth Masters champion, Merwin Tan of Philippines and winner of the first match, Annop Arromsaranon of Thailand, 210-194-173 to advance to the title match.

Tan pocketed HK$16,000 as second runner-up while Arromsaranon, Lee and Hernandez earned HK$8,000, HK$5,500 and HK$4,500 respectively for finishing fourth to sixth positions. In the earlier Stage 2 finals, Ismail totaled 1883 to advance to the stepladder finals as topseed.

Muaz, who trailed his compatriot since the third game, settled for second spot with 1848. Tan finish third with 1754 as Lee, Arromsaranon and Hernandez made the stepladder finals in fourth to sixth positions with 1745, 1735 and 1731.

Timmy Tan of Malaysia missed the cut by a single pin to end up in seventh position with 1730 while Hong Kong's best hope for a spot in the finals was Ivan Tse in eighth position with 1729. Fourth perfect gamer and top qualifier, Tun Hakim managed only in ninth position.

Meanwhile, topseed Iliya Syamim needed only one match to bag her first international title after she out-classed challenger and third-seed, Nur Amirah Auni of Malaysia, 215-160 in the final.

Amirah Auni suffered three opened frames while Syamim kept a clean game including three consecutive strikes in frames 6 to 8.

Amirah Auni defeated second-seed, Wong Son Ian of Macau and winner of the first match, Lara Poasads-Wong of Philippines, 228-211-221 to meet the topseed. Posadas-Wong edged fourth-seed, Nora Lyana Natasia of Malaysia and compatriot, Mades Arles, 199-161-178 in the opening steplader match.

The champion picked up the top prize of HK$30,000 (approx. US$3,800) while Amirah Auni took home HK$16,000. Posadas-Wong pocketed HK$8,000 as second runner-up while Wong, Arles and Lyana Natasia earned HK$4,000, HK$2,700 and HK$2,000 respectively for finishing fourth to sixth positions.

Syamim literally led from start to finish in the earlier Stage 2 finals to advance to the stepladder finals as topseed with 1794. Won fired 222 in the final game to snatch second spot with 1751. Two Malaysians, Amirah Auni and Lyana Natasia finished third and fourth with 1749 and 1748.

19th July, Hong Kong: Newly-crowned Youth Open Masters champion, Merwin Tan of Philippines and Charmaine Chang of Singapore won the Men's and Women's Open Stage 1 Masters finals of the 45th Hong Kong International Open on Friday evening.

After having bowled eight games in this morning's Youth Open Masters finals for his third Youth titles so far this year, Tan set a cracking pace with 267 in his opening game to trail local seeded qualifier, Tony Wong of Hong Kong by one pin.

The 20-year-old Filipino, who also bagged the 2019 Asian Youth Championships Singles gold medal in Kuching, Malaysia in April, added 246 in his second game to take over the running. Thailand's Atchariya Cheng also did well with 257 and 247 to move into second spot as Wong slipped off with just 198.

Tan was on a hot roll reeling in 214, 224, 234, 244 and 259 in his next five games to open up a huge gap of 131 pins over Cheng, as the Thai continued to trail the leader. Tan wrapped up Stage 1 finals victory with 248 and a total of 1936.

Meanwhile, 2019 Asian Youth Championships Team gold medallist, Charmaine Chang led a Singapore clean sweep of the top three positions winning the Stage 1 finals with 1863. Defending champion, Yanee Saebe of Thailand led in the first two games before Chang rolled 255 and 244 in the second and third games to take over the lead.

The Singaporean never look back since then adding 204, 224, 258, 238 and 248 for a well-deserved victory. Team-mate, Iliya Syamim, who trailed the leader since game four, settled for second position with 1738, 125 pins adrift.

Ex-international, Tracy See made it a one-two-three finish for Singapore in third position with 1727. 2015 Asian Youth Singles gold medallist, Nora Lyana Natasia of Malaysia and 2019 PBF Philippines Open first runner-up, Lara Posadas-Wong rounded out the top five with 1724 and 1712 respectively.

Mades Arles of Philippines, who survived a one-game roll-off to break the tie for the last qualifying position in the Mixed pool, again survived the stage by finishing in the cut in 15th position with 1566.

18th July, Hong Kong: 2017 World Championships Trios gold medallist, Michael Mak of Hong Kong made the top bracket of the Men's Open Masters local pool at the 45th Hong Kong International Open while Chan Shuk Han topped the Women's division.

2017 World Championships Trios gold medallist, Eric Tseng remained firmly in pole position of the local pool with 1503. First perfect gamer, Wicky Yeung also retained second spot with 1471 while Michael Mak lepfrog into third position with an improved 1450.

Malaysians continued to dominate on the final day of qualifying at the 45th Hong Kong International Open with Tun Hakim shooting the tournament's fourth 300 to lead the Men's Open division and Nur Syazwani Sahar topped the Women's table.

The 2018 World Men's Championships Doubles gold medallist, who was in ninth in the Mixed pool yesterday with 1325, improved his lower series with 300, 239 and 264 for a stunning 803 series moving the Malaysian into second spot with a six-game total of 1485.

Local qualifiers positioned 4 to 9, overseas qualifiers positioned 4 to 12, the top 12 qualifiers in the Mixed pool, together with two local seeded qualifiers, the defending champion and the top 3 qualifiers from the Desperado squad will contest the 8-games Stage 1 Masters finals tomorrow.

Ex-Hong Kong international, Joey Yip remained unchallenged to retain the lead in the local pool with 1253. 2017 World Championships Singles bronze medallist, Chan Shuk Han finished second with 1239 while Jackie Sun occupied third spot with 1221.

2018 Macao-China Open champion, Nur Syazwani Sahar of Malaysia took over the lead with 1416 pushing down overnight leader, Alexis Sy of Philippines into second spot with 1397. 2015 ABF Tour Macau leg champion, Veronica De Souza of Macau made up the top 3 overseas qualifiers with 1376.

The top 3 overseas and top 3 local qualifiers will also skip Stage 1 Masters finals. Local qualifiers positioned 4 to 7, overseas qualifiers positioned 4 to 10, the top 10 qualifiers in the Mixed pool together with the two local seeded qualifiers and the defending champion will contest the 8-games Stage Masters finals tomorrow.

17th July, Hong Kong: 2019 Malaysian Open champion, Ahmad Muaz of Malaysia surged into the top of the Men's Open Masters qualifying leaderboard at the 45th Hong Kong International Open with a stunning 1511 on Wednesday.

Muaz made his first attempt yesterday with 257, 227 and 278 for a sizzling three-game series of 762. He took to the lanes at SCAA Bowling Centre today posting 289, 259 and 201 for another splendid 749 series to leapfrog into the lead with a six-games aggregate total of 1511.

Newly-crowned ABF Tour Macau leg champion, Lee Tak Man of Macau added a superb 787 series to moved back up into the top bracket in second with 1469 while overnight leader, Ezno Hernandez of Philippines slipped down to third with 1466.

Muhammad Hafiz Zainuddin of Malaysia improved his six-game total but missed the top three by 12 pins to settle for fourth position with 1454. There were no changes seen in the local pool with Eric Tseng remaining in the lead with 1503.

Meanwhile in the Women's division, Alexis Sy of Philippines took over the lead with 1395 from 711 and 684 three-game series. Veronica De Souza of Macau also improved to move into second position with 1376.

Ex-Singapore international, Tracy See, who led briefly earlier today, slipped down to third with 1365. 2018 Macao-China Open champion, Nur Syazwani Sahar of Malaysia missed the cut for an automatic qualification into Stage 2 Masters finals by two pins in fourth position with 1363.

Joey Yip remained in the lead of the local pool with 1253 followed by 2017 World Championships Singles bronze medallist, Chan Shuk Han in second with 1239. Jackie Sun took over third spot with an improved 1221.

Malaysia's Faten Najihah headed the mixed pool with 1266 while the cut in ninth position went to Chinese Taipei's Chou Chia Chen on 1221. Last year's cut was 1277, much higher than this year. With less overseas women taking part this year, the cut would probably increase slightly.

16th July, Hong Kong: 2017 World Championships Trios gold medallist, Eric Tseng of Hong Kong took over the lead of the Men's Open Masters qualifying standings at the 45th Hong KOng International Open with a record-breaking 1503 pinfalls.

Tseng, who was seeded second in the local seeded pool, made several attempts without much progress. But the Hong Kong national bowler finally found his way to reel in 242, 253 and 247 for a promising 742 series.

The leader then followed it up with an even higher series of 761 with 279, 247 and 235 to take his six-games aggregate total to 1503. First perfect gamer and ex-international, Wicky Yeung settled for second with 1471 while Lau Kwun Ho, who won the 2017 World Championships Doubles silver medal with Tseng, occupied third spot with 1448.

A former Hong Kong national team member, Rickle Kam improved his earlier attempts but missed the top bracket by 12 pins for that crucial bye and to automatically advance to Stage 2 Masters finals.

In the Women's division, 2019 Asian Youth Team gold medallist, Charmaine Chang of Singapore moved into the lead with 1317 while 2019 Philippine Open first runner-up, Lara Posadas-Wong and Alexis Sy of Philippines finished second and third with 1274 and 1269 respectively. Like the men, the top three overseas qualifiers will skip Stage 1 Masters finals.

2019 Asian Youth Team gold medallist, Charmaine Chang of Singapore finished second with 1317 while Alexis Sy of Philippines joined the duo in third with 1269. Like the men, the top three overseas qualifiers will skip Stage 1 Masters finals.

In the local front, overnight leader, Joey Yip remained in the lead with 1253. 2017 World Championships Singles bronze medallist, Chan Shuk Han, who is already seeded as top local qualifier, made second spot with 1239. Jackie Sun occupied third spot with 1221.

25th June, Hong Kong: Hong Kong Tenpin Bowling Congress celebrated its 45th year of the hosting of the immensely popular Hong Kong International Open during the opening ceremony held at SCAA Bowling Centre on Monday evening.

The championships, which kicked off two days ago following the successful hosting the the 20th Asian School Tenpin Bowling Championships from July 6 to 12 at the same bowling centre. This year's championships has attracted more than 350 bowlers from all over Asia including the middle east and south pacific.

Gracing the opening ceremony was guest of honour, Mr William Tong Wai Lun, SBS, MH, JP, Vice President of Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China.

Distiguished guests officiating the opening were Mr David Kung, Hon. Life President, HKTBC, Mr Jeff Kong, President of HKTBC, Ms Vivien Lau, BBS, JP, Chairman of HKTBC, Ms Ida Lee, JP, Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services and Mr Duffy Wong, BBS, JP, Vice President of SCAA.

The emcee, Mr Eric Lee kciked off proceedings with the introduction of the distinguished guests and dignitaries before inviting Mr Jeff Kong and Mr William Tong to deliver their opening speeches. This was followed with the celebration of the 45th anniversay of the Hong Kong International Open by Board Members of HKTBC.

As usual, a traditional lions' eye-dotting ceremony followed which was performed by Mr William Tong, Mr Jeff Kong, Mr David Kung, Ms Ida Lee and Mr Duffy Wong. A group photo session was held briefly before the lion dance commenced.

Welcome and Good Luck banners were displayed at the end of the lion dance. A distinguished and dignitaries group photo session were held which then concluded the open ceremony. Several Challenge Cups were contested thereafer.

Teams will be vying for the top three spots in the Inter-Centre President Cup, International Youth Cup, Sports & Recreation Cup, Inter-Hong Kong Challenge Cup and Inter-Club Challenge Cup.

15th July, Hong Kong: Timothy Tham of Singapore rolled the second perfect game of the 45th Hong Kong International Open to take over the lead of the Men's Open Masters overseas qualifying table at SCAA Bowling Centre on Monday.

Tham got off to a cracking start by reeling in 12 consecutive strikes for his third career 300. He then followed it up with 229 and ended a superb qualifying attempt with 239 for a three-game series of 768. Tham's other best attempt was 680 taking his six-game tally to 1448.

Overnight leader, Zoe Dias Ma of Macau dropped to second on his 1352 total while 2014 Hong Kong Open champion, Hussain Al Suwaidi of UAE remained in third spot with 1245 after completing two attempts.

First perfect gamer, Wicky Yeung of Hong Kong improved his second highest three-games series of 600 to 714 giving him a new six-games total of 1471 to lead the local pool.

Meanwhile in the Women's Open division, ex-international Joey Yip took over the lead of the local pool with 1253 from two three-games series of 655 and 598. Jackie Sun occupied second spot with 1221 while Yung Ho Yee finished third with 1213.

Only one overseas women has made attempts. Veronica De Souza of Macau topped the pool with 1247. The top 3 overseas and top 3 local qualifiers will earn a bye and automatically advance to Stage 2 Masters finals skipping Stage 1.

Local qualifiers positioned 4 to 9, overseas qualifiers positioned 4 to 12, qualifiers positioned 1 to 10 in the mixed pool together with the defending champion will contest Stage 1 Masters finals on July 19.

The top 18 with the highest pinfalls after the eight-games Stage 1 Masters finals will advance to Stage 2 Masters finals, joined by the three local and three overseas seeded qualifiers for another eight games in Stage 2 Masters finals.

14th July, Hong Kong: Ex-international, Wicky Yeung of Hong Kong shot the tournament's first 300 en-route to taking an early lead in the Men's Open Masters local pool qualifying standings at the 45th Hong Kong International Open underway at SCAA Bowling Centre.

Yeung started off with 210 in his opening game before reeling in 12 consecutive strikes for the first perfect game of the tournament. He ended his first attempt with 247 for a three-game series of 757. Yeung then added a second moderate three-game series of 600 to lead the standings with 1357.

But another ex-international youth, Leo Tse of Hong Kong, who won the Bowling Club Challenge Cup yesterday as member of KMCT with Rickle Kam and Michael Tsang, fired 744 and 681 to quickly take over the lead with 1425. 2017 World Championships Trios gold medallist, Eric Tseng amassed a six-game total of 1423 to move into second spot.

The top three overseas qualifiers with the highest qualifying pinfalls will also automatically advance to Stage 2 Masters finals. Qualifiers position 1 to 10 in the mixed pool will join the local and overseas qualifiers for Stage 1 Masters finals.

Qverseas bowlers from Australia, China, Guam, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Thailand and Chinese Taipei have confirmed their participation and are expected to arrive mostly on July 15.

In the Women's division, Chloe Lee topped the local pool with a moderate 1180 ahead of ex-international, Joey Yip in second with 1174. Sammy Koa finished third with 1077. Like the men, the top three local qualifiers with the highest qualifying pinfalls would earn a bye and automatically advance to Stage 2 Masters finals.

Qualifiers positioned 4 to 10 will contest Stage 1 Masters finals on July 19. 2015 ABF Tour Macau leg winner, Veronica De Souza of Macau was the only overseas women to have made two attempts to lead with 1247.