Mika Koivuniemi shoots 300 on his way to take early lead in 11th Bahrain Open

    03/04/13

    Bahrain

    Finn averages 246 over eight games as Squad A & B qualifying has reached halfway mark

    2013BOMikaKoivuniemi.jpgMika Koivuniemi (pictured left) of Finland posted the first perfect game in the first of two blocks in Squad B qualifying Sunday at Ozone Entertainment Center in Sitra to take the early lead in the 11th Kingdom of Bahrain International Open.

    2013BORyanLalisang.jpgThe eleven-time PBA titlist and two-time PBA Player of the Year started his eight-game series with 214, 224, 234, 242 and 238 before he achieved perfection in game #6. He closed out with back-to-back 258 for 1968 pinfall total and an average of 246.00.

    Indonesian standout Ryan Lalisang (right) was mere eight pins behind to sit in second place with 1960 (245.00) including high games of 279, 269, 268 and 259.

    2013BODominicBarrett.jpgThird place belonged to Dominic Barrett (left) of England, who used a pair of 279s and a 276 game for 1954 (244.25).

    Fawaz Abdulla was the top Bahraini in fourth place with 1886 and was followed by Paul Moor, England, in fifth place with 1871 and Wu Siu Hong, Hong Kong, in sixth place with 1861.

    2013BOMansourAlAwamy.jpgThe top 6 players including the top Bahraini at the end of the qualifying will earn three byes and will automatically advance to Round 5.

    The top seven players all competed in Squad B. A squad leader Mansoor Al Awamy (right) of Qatar sits in eighth place with 1839 (229.88).

    The players will return on Monday, March 4, for the second block of eight games. Squads C, D and E will conclude qualifying on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Total 30 players will advance to the finals on Thursday and Friday including the top 27 qualifiers, the next two Bahrainis and the top-ranked woman (women receive seven pins handicap). Player 1-6 receive three byes. If there is no Bahraini player among the top 5, the best Bahraini will be seeded sixth.

    Players 7-12 will receive two byes and players 13-18 earn one bye. The other 12 players advance to Final Round Two. Final Round 2-4 consist of six games scratch with the top six players advancing to the next round.

    The remaining twelve players bowl a final six-game Block in Round Five to determine the top three players who will bowl for the title and the 7,500 Bahraini Dinar (approx. US$19.385) first place check.

     


    Qualifying Standings after 8 of 16 games (Squad A & B only)

     

     

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