Local bowlers dismissed from ABF Tour, Malaysia triumphant

Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

It was a dismal day for local hopefuls in the Jakarta leg of the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF) Tour on Saturday, while mighty Malaysia issued a resounding warning for November's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

The biggest shock of all was last year's women's champion Putty Armein, who was crushed by Zandra Aziela of Malaysia 194- 226. The Indonesian's first round exit was followed by Novie Phang, who surrendered to Jojo Canare of the Philippines 205-210, and Sheanny Gunawan, who was defeated by Wendy Chai of Malaysia 181-201.

Among the men, Ryan Lalisang managed to advance to the second round by beating Khalid Al Dubyan of Kuwait 223-183, but then lost to 2005 Indonesia Open champion Alex Liew of Malaysia 187- 259.

Ryan's compatriots David Sitorus and Yuyu lost in the first round. David was beaten by Alex 175-258, while Yuyu lost to Botchock Rey of the Philippines 206-240.

Putty said it was simply a case of getting a bad draw on a bad day. "I just lost. In this one game match, everybody can win everybody, can lose."

Aswin Limansantoso, who is the bowling manager for the SEA Games team, said the local players were unable to quickly read the condition of the lanes.

"We have talented players but they lack knowledge compared to foreign players. If you see Malaysian players, they quickly adjust to different lane conditions. No wonder they are so dominant here," he said.

The Philippines and Thailand also experienced a difficult day at Jaya Ancol bowling center in North Jakarta.

In the men's division, Philippine bowler Biboy Rivera lost in the first round to Remy Ong of Singapore 200-220, Chester King was beaten by Azidi Ameran of Malaysia 194-204 in the second round and Botchock Rey lost to Ahmed Shaheen of Qatar 207-231 at the same stage.

Among the women, last year's Indonesia Open champion Liza Del Rosario, who lost her title in the tournament played earlier this week, also only managed to advance to the second round.

She was beaten by Siti Safiyah of Malaysia 188-192; the Malaysian defeated another Filipino, Irene Benitez, 215-190 in the first round.

Liza Clutario lost to fellow Philippine player Cheche Abrantes 213-228 in the first round, and Jojo Canare was beaten by Jasmine Yeong Nathan of Singapore 169-205.

The lone Thai bowler, Angkana Netrviseth, lost to Jasmine in the first round.

On Sunday, the semifinal and finals will be held beginning at 3 p.m., with Malaysia in five of the eight spots.

In the men's division, Alex meets Ahmed and Yang Tae Bum of Korea will face Azidi.

Among the women, Malaysia is already assured a finalist, with Zandra taking on Lai Kin Ngoh, while Jasmine plays Siti.