SMITS SUPREME
The four-game stint of the top 72 men in the second round, embracing the group positioned 37-72 first and then the others in positions 1 - 36, has now sorted out the men from the boys and the remaining field of 72 continues to reduce the contenders for the 2004 Malta Open title down to 36, then to 18 after a further four games.
Peter Smits of s'Hertegenbosch in the Netherlands, 20, (pictured) maintained his domination by leading the pack into Round Three, still rolling the top average of 223.19, almost six pins per game over second placed Leonard Lowenhamn of Sweden. Fellow countryman Peter Sainio, who set the pace from the first squad is now in third place.
The high game of 279 is currently shared by four players, Mark Wells, Leonard Lowenhamn, Sandor Kremer and Peter Smits.
The elite group of 18 will take to the lanes as the last squad Friday evening, scheduled to commence play at 21:30.
Pic courtesy Eric Hayton.

TOP 72 STANDINGS AFTER 16 GAMES:
(Top 36 qualify for Round Three)