27th October 2003
Ex-international bowler Jack Wong showed he is still a force to be reckon with, when he jumped to second among all qualifiers at press-time. The 51-year-old rolled a 914 series (205, 230, 189, 290) and is just 41 pins behind current men’s top qualifier Jason Yeong Nathan.
Wong, who is now eligible to roll in the seniors category, showed why he is the 2003 Singapore National Champion by delighting the crowd at Victor’s Superbowl with a tournament high game of 290. After sparing a pin seven in frame one, Wong stuck home with an effortless 11-bagger.
“I think the last time I bowled a perfect game at this venue was back in 1992,” said the 1987 Singapore Open champion. “I’ve competed in this tournament since 1984 and I must say that the standard has improved tremendously. Bowlers from all over the world are constantly improving their game and the game has changed tremendously in terms of equipment and lane dressing since the 1980s. This tournament also offers very attractive prize money, so it attracts a lot of top overseas bowlers.”
Wong, who now operates his own proshop Bowler Workshop at Cathay Bowl SAFRA Tampines, finished runner-up in this May’s 29th Thailand Open and was third in the PBAP Storm-Bevida Classic in July. No Singapore bowler has won the men’s title since 1988 and the home fans would be hoping that a local favourite can top the podium come Sunday’s Masters final. Defending champion Bandar Al-Shafi is not returning to defend his men’s crown but there are still plenty of foreign bowlers in the men’s field who could easily run away with the title.
Columbian 2002 national champion Andres Gomez were among the first of the foreign legion to take to the lanes but he only managed a poor 772 series (164, 217, 165, 226) at press-time.
“The lanes are looking good. Actually I’m looking forward for the Tournament. This is my first trip to Singapore and this is the first time I’m playing in an Open Tournament in Asia although I’ve won many other competitions in this region,” said the 30-year-old, who topped the American Zone rankings last year. “I’ve played against most of the Bowlers competing here and I’m confident of rising up to the occasion.”
There were no major changes on the leaderboard among the women, but watching the action by the sidelines was two-time defending champion Wendy Chai who will begin her MQs on Tuesday. She said: “The lanes don’t look so good. Considering the fact that I’ll be facing top ranked competition from the Asian region, I try not to put any pressure on myself. However, bowling is everyone’s game, whoever is on form will win. I’m confident I’ll peak in time.”
At press-time, former Singapore national bowler Regina Lau still topped all qualifiers with a 920. 2002 World Ranking Masters champion Jennifer Tan had a better outing today and rolled a 895 series to move to second, ahead of Catherine Kang (858).
The 36th Singapore Open offers some $100,000 in prize money with $20,000 and $5,000 going to the men and women’s champion respectively. After tomorrow night’s opening, 32 teams will take part in the Charity Bowl, which is expected to raise over $10,000 for the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.
Qualification continues tomorrow and the Masters finals will be held on Nov 1 and 2. Admission to the 36th Singapore Open is free.