SEA Games

Shaun Ng Qenn, Singapore and Tannya Roumimper, Indonesia started the bowling competition in the 24th Southeast Asian Games at SF Strike Bowl Ramkhamhaeng in Bangkok, Thailand with victory in the men's and women's Singles. Qenn had high games of 234 and 248 on the short oil pattern en route to win the men's gold medal with 1250 six-game total and an average of 208.33. Roumimper started with 645 for the first three games and despite a sub-par 599 in the second set, the Indonesian maintained the lead to take the gold medal with 1244 pinfall total and an average of 207.33.

Even before a single ball has been bowled, the mind games have already started with the Malaysian and Indonesian bowling teams being barred from the competition venue yesterday. The SF Strike Bowl was sealed off to everyone except the Thai team, who were given first option to train on the freshly oiled lanes in the morning, as the Malaysian and Indonesian teams waited patiently by the roadside.

The 24th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand from December 6 to December 16, 2007. Nakhon Ratchasima, commonly known as Korat, is located about 260 km Northeast of Bangkok. 11 countries will compete in almost 450 events in 45 sports. The bowling competition will be contested at SF Strike Bowl Ramkhamhaeng in Bangkok from Dec. 6-14. Players will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in 11 events men's and women's Singles, Doubles, Trios, Team of 5, Masters and in Mixed Doubles.

The actual lane patterns at the SF Strike Bowl in Bangkok continued to be a secret but (Malaysian) national chief coach Holloway Cheah was not upset at all. The team spent some time practicing at the venue yesterday ahead of the competition, which begins on Saturday. "We expected this. The hosts will not reveal the patterns early. In fact, I think, we made the wise decision on not coming here a week earlier. We would have wasted our time," said Holloway.

The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) have set a target for their team to win four gold medals in the SEA Games but deputy chef-de-mission Zaiton Othman thinks it is a very modest one. "Bowling have been the most consistent team in terms of achieving good results.
"And we look forward to a big gold-medal haul from them in Thailand," said Zaiton after meeting the bowlers in Bukit Jalil yesterday (pictured).

Esther Cheah could give the Korat Sea Games (Dec 6-15) a miss due to studies and exams which opens the door for national back-up bowler Trish Khoo (pictured) to be considered as a replacement. Esther is pursuing a three-year degree programme in psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the United States. National coach Holloway Cheah, who is also Esther's father, said his daughter's exam is scheduled for just a couple of days after the Sea Games.

Markwin Tee and Liza Clutario of the host country Philippines ended the 23rd Southeast Asian Games at Pearl Bowling Center in Paranaque City, Philippines, with victories in the men's and women's Masters. Clutario posted two big scores en route to defeat Jazreel Tan, Singapore, 460-372. Tee carried the momentum from his semifinal win into the title match as he topped No. 1 seed Remy Ong, Singapore, 437-366. Ryan Lalisang and Putty Armein, both of Indonesia, earned the bronze medals.

Singles champion Cecilia Yap from the Philippines and Malaysia's Daniel Lim led the field of 37 men and 32 women, respectively, in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games after 24 games in All Events (no medal discipline). The top 16 men and top 16 women advanced to the Masters finals.

Malaysia won the gold medals in both the men's and women's 5-player team event in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games at Pearl Bowling Center in Paranaque City, Philippines. Both teams from the host country finished as first runner-up to earn the silver medals, while both teams from Singapore claimed the bronze medals.

Indonesia won the third gold medal in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games as Doubles champions Happy Soediyono and Putty Armein teamed with Novie Phang to win the women's Trios title. Daniel Lim, Aaron Kong and Zulmazran Zulkifli captured the men's title and the first gold medal for Malaysia.

Indonesia and the Philippines shared the gold medals after two events. CJ Suarez and Joonee Gatchalian from the host country followed in the footprints of women's Singles champion Cecilia Yap, while Happy Soediyono and Putty Armein captured Indonesia's second gold after Ryan Lalisang's victory in Men's Singles.

Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia and local favorite Cecilia Yap started the bowling competition in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games at Pearl Bowling Center in Paranaque City, Philippines, with victory in Singles. Lalisang posted the tournament-best 1425-series to win the men's title, while Yap's 1358 was the women's high score.

The 23rd Southeast Asian Games will be held at Pearl Bowling Center in Paranaque City, Philippines, from November 27 through December 5, 2005. 37 men and 32 women from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the host country Philippines will compete for medals in Singles, Doubles, Trios, Team and Masters.