15th June, Hong Kong: Overnight leader, Zoe Dias Ma of Macau shot the sixth perfect game of the 46th Hong Kong International Open to extend his lead in the Men's Open qualifying standings while Sin Li Jane of Malaysia retained pole in the Women's division.
Dias Ma, who led with 1623 from 835 and 788 series last night, set the lanes on fire with 10 consecutive strikes to register the tournament's sixth perfect game. His scintillating performance gave the him an 845 series to stretch his lead to 1680.
Thailand's Supakrit Wantasuk had slipped down to fourth behind newcomer, Zane Carlson of New Zealand in second and Macau's Ho Man Lok in third. But the Thai improved his lower 725 with 773 to move up into second spot with 1619.
Carlson settled for third with 1608 while Ho dropped out of the top 3 bracket in fourth with 1594. Hong Kong's Tse Lok Sang headed the mixed pool with 1512 and the cut in tenth was held by Hong Kong seeded qualifier and national bwoler, Michael Mak with 1464.
Zoe Dias Ma rolling the tournament's sixth perfect game
James Lui took over the lead in the local pool after posting aa stunning 1604 6-game total. Early pace-setter, Tony Wong settled for second with 1602 while Ernest Kwok impressed with a third place finish on 1591.
The top 3 local and top 3 overseas qualifiers will earn a bye and advance to Stage II finals. A total of 33 qualifiers will contest Stage I finals tomorrow. The top 18 finishers will be joined by the six seeded qualifiers for another 8 games in Stage II.
Meanwhile, newly-crowned Singapore Open champion, Sin Li Jane remained the leader of the Women's Open overseas pool qualifying standings with 1507. Veronica De Souza of Macau also remained in second with 1469.
Ex-international, Jermaine Seah of Singapore surged into third spot after improving her total to 1382. Two Macau national bowler, Hui Tong and Lou Si Hang completed the top 5 with 1341 and 1335 respectively.
In the local front, Joey Yip and Gloria Yung remained first and second in the standings with 1513 and 1452. Hong Kong National seeded women, Melanie Chan notched up 1419 to take up third and a chance for a bye.
Anny Ma of Hong Kong headed the mixed pool with 1260 and the cut in eighth position went to Ada Law of Hong Kong with 1168, averaging 194.67. The top 3 local and top 3 overseas qualifiers will earn a bye and advance to Stage II finals.
Jermaine Seah of Singapore quietly moving into third spot of the Women's overseas pool
A total of 24 qualifiers will contest Stage I finals tomorrow. The top 15 finishers will be joined by the six seeded qualifiers for another 8 games in Stage II. Qualifying will end late this evening.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Hong Kong.