ESTHER CROWNED CHAMPION @ HONG KONG OPEN 2012

Saturday, 08 June 2012

 

Esther Cheah finally breaks through a lean spell to clinch the Women's Open title at Hong Kong Open 2012 this afternoon.

 

The Nebraska University graduate has to dig into her reserves to starve off a late rally by top seed, Jazreel Tan of Singapore in a nail biting sudden death game.

 

Seeded third after the second block of 10 games, Esther won the Semi-Finals match against team mate, Shalin Zulkifli and Joey Yip of Hong Kong.

 

In the title match, Esther started off with a conversion of a twin tower baby split and reeled six consecutive strikes and spared home for a 242 - 225 victory to force a sudden death game. In the second game, Esther was all charged up, fired a four bagger and made 2 spares before rocketed home with a six pack of strikes to shut out top seed, Jazreel Tan of Singapore. A never had it so good 267-235 victory !

 

The Malaysian contingent gave a standing ovation to Esther for her gallant performance. Seasoned campaigner, Shalin Zulkifli emerged 2nd Runners-Up and Zatil Iman finished 5th position. An elated Esther was then being interviewed by the local TV station and was quoted " It feels good to win again after a long time, especially at the coming Asian Tenpin Bowling Championship venue. Definitely, a morale booster for me for the coming Asian Tenpin Bowling Championship, (if I am selected). My Dad (coach Holloway)  made a tactical change to my equipment, altered the surface of my bowling ball prior to my title match with Jazreel and I think that helped a lot".

 

Meanwhile, southpaw, Muhd Nur Aiman gained consolation for being the 2nd Runners-Up in the Men's Open division. Nur Aiman lost the Semi-Finals match to second seed, Hussain Al Suwaidi of UAE 214 - 238.

 

Women's Open title match

Game #1:
Esther (MAS) - 8(/), X, X, X, X, X, X, 8/, 7/, 8/9 = 242;
Jazreel (SIN) -  8/, 7/, X, X, 9/, X, 9/, X, X, X9/  = 225.

Sudden death game
Esther (MAS) - X, X, X, X, 8/, 9/, X, X, X, XXX = 267;
Jazreel (SIN) -  8/, X, X, X, 8/, 9/, X, X, X,X9/   =  235.

 

Reported by BC Cheah