RI bowlers spin to ABF tour semis

Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Two Indonesian women bowlers advanced on Saturday to the semifinals of the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF) tour final at the Jaya Ancol Bowling Center in Jakarta.

Local hopeful Novie Phang beat Shalin Zulkifli of Malaysia 246-196 to secure her berth in the semifinal, while teammate Putty Armein defeated Malaysian Tang Joh Six 210-155 to advance.

In the first round of the event, Novie beat fellow Indonesian Sheanny Gunawan 215-211, while Putty sent home Irene Benitez of the Philippines 192-182.

Novie, who took sixth place in the Women's Open Masters final at the Second Indonesia Open Bowling Championship on Friday, said she was able to defeat Shalin by playing like she had nothing to lose.

"I have a chance to win the semifinal game against Lai Kin Ngoh of Malaysia on Sunday. I will try to play like I did today (Saturday)," she said after her victory.

Novie's semifinal opponent Lai advanced by defeating Jo Jo Canare of the Philippines in the first round 228-191, and Alice Tay of Singapore in the second round 257-163.

Putty will face Evelyn Chan of Singapore in the semifinals on Sunday.

"We both have the same chance of winning in the semifinals as we only play one game," she said.

Evelyn made it to the semifinals by beating Choy Poh Lai of Malaysia in the first round 214-194, and Happy Soediyono of Indonesia in the second round 256-248.

In the men's category, the only Indonesian in the event, Lie Joe Tjam, lost in the first round to Andrew Frawley of the United States 220-215.

The men's semifinal games on Sunday will feature Joone Gatchalian of the Philippines playing Wu Siu Hong of Hong Kong, and Shaker Al Hassan of Qatar pitted against Remy Ong of Singapore.

The finals of the women's and men's categories will also be held on Sunday.