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A PERFECT START TO A PERFECT TOUR
It would have been impossible to have scripted a more perfect finish to the inaugural Asian Bowling Federation (ABF) Tour than that witnessed by millions on live TV at the Pyramid Megalanes in Kula Lumpur, Malaysia today.
Ryan Lalisang, 23, from Jakarta, the nation's number one ranked player clinched the Malaysian leg of this first stop of the 2004 Tour against Sultan Al Marzouqi of the United Arab Emirates, bowling 12 solid strikes in the title match for a 300, which could be the first perfect game on live TV in Asia. In the middle of the game, Al Marzouqi tried to play catch-up, but it was a hopeless cause against such a strikefest, so he cruised to a 237 finish for the runner-up spot.
In the ladies' division's all-Malaysian final, Wendy Chai made an incredible come-back from what looked to be second place to strike out and defeat fellow team-mate Sarah Yap. Chai need eight pins with her final ball to win, but it looked as though it was only going to be a seven count but, luckily for her another pin toppled so she was able to claim the throne, 257-256.
Outstanding scoring throughout the semi finals and finals certainly pleased the packed Meglanes, which was the site of the 2003 WTBA World Championships, and the Asian-wide viewing audience.
Play opened with Siti Kadijah and Wendy Chai of Malaysia in the ladies' semi's, Chaii bagging the finals place, 191-180, the lowest scoring match of the day. Alice Tay of Singapore and Sarah Yap of Malaysia took to the lanes next,  the Malaysian getting the edge, 234-205.
In the men's semi's, Ryan Lalisang opened the proceedings with a 238-226 win over Kao Hai Yuan of Chinese Taipei, and then Sultan Al Marzouqi defeated the top ranked Asian bowler, 19-year-old Wu Siu Hong of Hong Kong, 245-241.
Excitement was at fever pitch for the ladies' final, with two Malaysians fighting for the top podium place. That excitement carried over when Lalisang started and carried on with that amazing string of strikes.
But no-one was more excited than Mrs. Vivien Fung, JP, the President of the Asian Bowling Federation. After all the planning and organization of getting the Tour underway, she was more than pleased at such a successful start to what is sure to be a fantastic six-leg event. "This has been a perfect start to a perfect Tour," she commented. "We have created a superb showcase for Asian bowling and I'm ecstatic."
(Picture by Y.S. Liew shows the two inaugural ABF Tour champions with ABF President, Mrs. Vivien Fung, JP.)

FINAL RESULTS:

Women’s Draw Sheet

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