14th June, Hong Kong: Newly-crowned 53rd Singapore Open, Sin Lin Jane of Malaysia will be vying for her second consecutive title after topping the Women's Open Masters qualifying standings at the 46th Hong Kong International Open on Wednesday.
Sin, who picked up the Singapore Open title for a fourth time, posted an impressive 738 in her first attempt before adding another superb 769 to take her 6-game tally to 1507 and top spot in the qualifying standings.
The Malaysian's best showing in Hong Kong was finishing as second runner-up back in 2010 and judging by the form she has shown in recent weeks, she will undoubtedly be a strong title contender.
Overnight leader, Veronica De Souza of Macau slipped down to second with her equally impressive 1469 scoreline. Ex-international, Jermaine Seah of Singapore moved into third spot with a fine effort of 1382.
Sin Li Jane displaying stunning form to take up pole position in the overseas pool
There were no changes in the local front with Joey Yip, Gloria Yung and Gigi Leung occupying the top 3 spots with 1512, 1452 and 1388 respectively. The top 3 in both the local pool and overseas pool will automatically advance to Stage II finals. Local qualifiers positioned 4 to 8, overseas qualifiers positioned 4 to 10, the eight qualifiers from the mixed pool together with the local seeded qualifier and defending champion will contest the 8-game Stage I finals on June 16.
The top 15 finishers at the end of Stage I finals will advance to Stage II, joined by the 6 seeded qualifiers from the general standings for another 8 games on June 17. The top 6 at the end of the stage will proceed to the Stepladder Shootout finals.
Meanwhile, Zoe Dias Ma of Macau remained as the top qualifier in the Men's Open overseas pool after registering a stunning 1623 total. His compatriot, Ho Man Lok also remained in second with 1594.
Thailand's Supakrit Wantasuk moved into third spot with 1571 after posting a splendid 846 series to add to his earlier attempt of 725. Tony Wong's pole position score of 1602 in the local pool remained unchallenged.
James Lui and Alex Yu also remained in second and third with 1567 and 1547 respectively. Local qualifiers positioned 4 to 11, overseas qualifiers positioned 4 to 12, the ten qualifiers from the mixed pool together with the 3 local seeded qualifiers and defending champion will contest the 8-game Stage I finals on June 16.
The top 18 finishers at the end of Stage I finals will advance to Stage II, joined by the 6 seeded qualifiers from the general standings for another 8 games on June 17. The top 6 at the end of the stage will proceed to the Stepladder Shootout finals.
Supakrit Wantasuk making the top 3 bracket in the Men's Open overseas pool
Ex-international Leo Tse captured the Hong Kong Cup with an 8-game total of 2016 contested this morning. Angus Fung finished second with 1923 and Stanley Lau took third position with 1895. Cheung Wai Lam shot the tournament's fifth perfect game but missed the podium to finish fourth with 1860. The champion will gain an automatic entry in the Men's Open Stage I finals.
Qualifying will end tomorrow at 10.00pm local time and a one-game Desperado Squad will be held thereafter as a last chance for the Men's Open and Women's Open bowlers to make the cut for Stage I finals.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Hong Kong.