13th December, P.Jaya: Sharon Koh of Malaysia fought galantly in the Girl's Open stepladder finals to win her first major international title while Chinese Taipei celebrated a superb victory to take the Boy's crown of the 6th Milo International Junior All Stars Tuesday evening.

Koh, 17 took her second international title after she came back from a two-frame deficit to edge challenger, Christyn Chew of Selangor, 192-182 in a one game stepladder match. While Chew had an open frame in the first, the champion also had two open frames to trail her opponent heading towards the end of the match.

A costly single pin miss by Chew gave Koh the confidence she needed to strike home from the ninth frame onwards to comfirm the victory. "When I had the two open frames, I kept telling myself not to give up after working so hard in the finals to finish topseed," said the almost sorbing Koh.

"When I saw that there was a chance for me to win, I went all out and it paid off," added the Singapore Open Youth champion. Koh has now added a string of impressive titles to her resume. She was the 2004 Junior Circuit GP Finals champion. She also bagged two Gold medals in the Asian Schools Championship in Jakarta this year.

Just two days ago, Koh partnered Noor Hanizah Abu Bakar to capture the Doubles Gold medal in the 1st Malaysian Women's Games championship. She also finished second when competing against the boys in this year's Thailand Open.

With the strings of successes she has had, she will be knocking at the door to the senior squad after being a national youth for three years. Koh will also be hoping to be selected into the squad for the Asian Youth Championship in Perth next February.

Women's Games Youth Under-18 Team Gold medalist, Christyn Chew settled for second despite ousting, second-seed and National bowler, Zatil Iman and ABF Tour Philippines leg champion, Apple Posadas of the Philippines, 224-212-178. Zatil finished third while Posadas remained fourth.

In the boy's division, top-seed Annop Arromsaranon of Thailand let the title slipped away when he lost the sudden-death decider, 182-204 to challenger, Ben Hung of Chinese Taipei. Hung won the first match, 225-203 to set up the deciding match.

The 20-year-old Physical Science student from Taipei University and second-seed knocked out third seed and fellow countrymen, Ho Chin-Ming and Boy's Graded champion, Kim Jae Min of Bowling Camp Korea, 227-193-201 to meet the top-seed.

"I have represented my country in the World Youth in Patayya and the Asian Schools in Penang in 2003 but didn't win anything so I'm very happy with this win," said Hung. "When I won the first match, I knew I had a chance to win.

The champion took home a whopping RM20,000 while Annop settled for RM10,000. The Girl's Open top prize was RM10,000 with RM5,000 to the runner-up making this junior championship the richest in the region.

Photos by Terence Yaw, MTBC.

13th December, P.Jaya: Kim Jae Min and Kim Ka Eul gave their coach, James Kim a double celebrations when they bagged the Boy's and Girl's Graded Masters titles of the 6th Milo International Junior All Stars Monday afternoon.

Kim Jae Min, who won the Boy's Graded Masters title in the Selangor Open in July, was again in his element when he romped home a comfortable winner by 116 pins on a 10-game total of 2117. The 16-year-old has been bowling for three years under the coaching of James Kim, chief coach of Bowling Camp in Korea.

"I had to change Jae Min's stepping to adapt to the lane conditions and also had to remind him of his pace and swing consitency," said his coach, James Kim. "This is his first major international title and I'm glad for him.

Last year's Under-15 runner-up, Park Jong Woo again finished second with 2001, but this time in a higher grade. Third spot went to Mohd Amirrul Afif of Kuala Lumpur, who totaled 1995. Early pace-setter, Shin Hyun Chul of Korea fizzled away into eighth.

In her first international outing since joining Bowling Camp this year, Kim Ka Eul tasted success when the 16-year-old pipped leader, Diyana Zuhaili in the final game to snatch the Girl's Graded title with 1948 to Diyana's 1918.

"I am really very surprise to win because I didn't know when we finish until my coach told that I have won," said Ka Eul through her interpreter, James Kim. Another newcomer to the Junior All Stars, Won So Ra of Bowling Camp, finished third, just 2 pins adrift on 1916.

Qualifying for the Open division will continue until this evening. There will be a Desperado squad where bowlers will bowl a one-game squad to select the top 3 boys and top 3 girls to join the finalsts.

Photos by Terence Yaw, MTBC.

12th December, P.Jaya: The youth development set up at the Singapore Sports School paid dividend when their youths dominated the Girls and Boys Under-15 Masters Finals of the 6th Milo International Junior All Stars Monday morning.

Daphne Tan, 15 and a prodige of the Singapore Sports School, gave the large school contingent a 1-2 finished when Bernice Lim, 14 finished second in the Girl's Under-15 Masters finals. Tan posted a total of 1484 over the 8-game finals, 37 pins ahead of Lim, who shot 1457 for second.

Both Tan and Lim are not only outstanding students at the Singapore Sports Schools but at also active in other activities. Tan is a student councillor and is under a UOB scholarship while Lim is the vice captain for this trip.

Tan won two Gold medals and Lim won three Gold medals in this year's National Age Group Championship. Lim emerged as the Masters Champion. Indonesia's Rania Nugroho finished third with 1439 ahead of the best Malaysian performer, Leisha Manan in fourth with 1421.

Meanwhile, Gerald Yeo of ACS Independent bagged his first international title when the 15-year-old chalked up 1576 to edge teammate, Mark Wong Jee Mun in the Boy's Under-15 Masters finals. Mark, 14 from Singapore Sports School was leading most of the way until a poor game of 158 in the eighth allowed Yeo to snatch the win with a 238.

Colin Jude Wee, under the scholarship of Singapore Pools, tied with Mark for second while Indonesia Open Youth champion, Edwin Lioe settled for fourth with 1527. The winners took home a trophy, a Brunswick bowling ball and bag for their fine effort.

The Boys and Girls Graded Masters finals will be contest later Monday afternoon while the Open division will be vying for the prestigious Masters title on Tueday morning.

Photos by Terence Yaw, MTBC.

11th December, P.Jaya: As the qualifying rounds of the on-going 6th Milo International Junior All Stars moves into the final day, bowlers are scrambling to make the cut for prestigious Masters finals on Tuesday morning.

Rock solid in front of the Boy's Open division was Malaysian National bowler, Mohd Noer Said. Noer held the lead with 964 from the very beginning chen the championship started last week. He led teammate and Commonwealth Youth Games Gold medalist, Zaid Izlan, who recorded 957 over the 4-game qualifying round.

National youth, Xavian Ang maintained third spot with 942. Last year's runner-up and 2003 champion, Adrian Ang finished fifth with 925 behind ex-national, Mohd Nadri in fourth spot with 929. SEA Games Gold medalist, Zulmazran Zulkifli also assured himself a slot in the finals with 878 in tenth.

First-timer, Chen Chang-Yen of Chinese Taipei also retained top spot in the overseas pool with 953 from two-time Junior All Stars champion, We Siu Hong of Hong Kong in second with 943. Stephen Couland of Austrailia competing in this championship for the first time, occupied third with 907.

The top three positions in the Girl's Open remained unchanged with National youth, Nur Syakirah Yeoh, ex-national, Charlotte Sak and Malaysian Women's Games Doubles Gold medalist, Sharon Koh on scores of 909, 891 and 880 respectively.

Singapore's National bowlers and national youth members totally domonated the overseas pool with spinner, Ong She-Na leading the pack with 877. Singapore reigning National champion, Jasmine Yeong Nathan and SEA Games Masters Silver medalist, Jazreel Tan occupied second and third spots with 876 and 844.

Sabrina Lim and Singapore's World Cup representative, Cherie Tan took up fourth and fifth positions with 843 and 840.

The Masters finals of the Open division will be contested on Tuesday, 13th December while the finals for the Under-15 and Graded divisions will be held on the Monday, 12th.

Photos by Terence Yaw, MTBC.

10th December, P.Jaya: The large pool of Singapore youths at the 6th Milo International Junior All Stars were begining to stamp their mark as they continue to dominate the Girl's Open Masters qualifying table on Saturday evening.

As reigning Singapore National champion took over the lead at the 2.00pm squad, her teammate, Ong Shena snatched the lead by just a single pin on a 4-game total of 877. Jasmine, who finished second in the ABF Tour Indonesia leg in Jakarta and was 2003 Under-15 champion, now competes in the Open division.

"I couldn't find any sort of line to bowl in my first five attempts until my coach, William made some corrections for me", said the 17-year-old Singapore national youth team member. "William also helped Cherie Tan in her earlier squad and I'm glad she made the finals too.

Ong posted lines of 230, 201, 212 and 234 to surge to the top of the overseas pool while Jasmine had 202, 201, 230 and 243. SEA Games Masters Silver medalist, Jazreel Tan improved on her earlier scores to take up third in the table with 844.

In the Boy's division, Benjamin Hong of Singapore and Derek Chan both put up superb formances to finish fifth and sixth positions in the overseas pool and have assured themselves a place in the finals.

Chen Chang-Yen continue to lead the table with 953 followed by two-time Junior All Stars champion, Wu Siu Hong of Hong Kong in second with 943. Malaysia's national bowler, Mohd Noer Said is the overall leader with 964.

Tomorrow (11th December) is the final day of qualification and the the Under-15 will contest their finals on the morning of the 12th with the Graded division later in the afternoon. The Open division will play their finals on the 13th December.

Photos by Terence Yaw, MTBC.

9th December, P.Jaya: Taipei youth, Chen Chang-Yen spinned his way to the top of the Boy's Open Masters overseas pool of the qualifying table of the 6th Milo International Junior All Stars while Singapore's Sabrina Lim grabbed pole in the girl's division.

Scores soared in a jam-packed Pyramid Megalanes as bowlers scrambled to make the cut for the prestigeous Masters finals with two more days left for qualifying. First-timer, Chen Chang-Yen of Chinese Taipei heads the overseas pool of the Boy's Masters table with a 953 posted in his first attempt.

The 18-year-old high school student from Taipei had lines of 236, 246, 254 and 217 to lead two time Junior All Stars champion, Wu Siu Hong from Hong Kong, who also recorded a superb 943. Wu posted lines of 234, 242, 242 and 225.

"This will be my final appearance in the Junior All Stars, which I have grown to like so much to compete in," said the 22-year-old. "It would be nice for me if I can win it for the third time. Malaysian National bowler, Mohd Noer remained in front in the local pool ahead of his teammate, Zaid Izlan and national youth Xavian Ang.

In the girls' division, Singapore National youth member, Sabrina Lim was equally impressive scoring 812 to head the overseas pool. All the five slots were occupied by Singaporean with Geraldine Ng in second with 809 and 23rd SEA Games Silver medalist, Jazreel Tan third with 786.

National youth and Asian Schools Gold medalist, Nur Syakirah Yeoh maintain her pole position with 909 followed by Singapore Open Youth champion, Sharon Koh in second with 880. Women's World Championship and last year's runner-up, Esther Cheah finished third with 866.

The number of participants has increased significantly this year. There are more than 200 from Singapore, 25 from Korea, 20 from Thailand, 6 from Chinese Taipei and more than 300 home-based youths vying for glory.

Qualifying continues through to Sunday, 11th December and the Masters finals will be held on the 12th and 13th December.

Photos by Terence Yaw, MTBC.

8th December, P.Jaya: Georgya Britton from Sydney, Australia became the youngest international champion to compete at the on-going 6th Milo International All Stars at Pyramid Mega Lanes.

Only at 11, Georgya has already been bowling for three years and she certainly has great credentials coming to Malaysia. The Aussie lass won the City of Sydney Championship restricted age category title this year. Georgya also bagged the Under-12 Singles and All Events Gold medals in the National Championship this year.

Asked how many times she trains: "I go to the bowling center five times a week and each session, I would spend about two hours," said the petty 11-year-old. "Sometimes, Dr Richard Kee would coach me and sometimes, my dad.

She is also the youngest bowler to be selected to represent New South Wales for the President's Sheild next year. Georgya is accompanied by her mom, Donna and dad, Jeffery and they are here together with four other Australia youths competing for the first time in Asia.

Meanwhile, on the sixth day of the qualifying rounds, there is not changes to the Boy's Open qualifying table with national keglers, Mohd Noer and Adrian Ang holding first and third positions sandwiching national youth, Xavian Ang in second.

Nur Syakirah Yeoh continue to lead the Girls Open table on 909 with Sharon Koh in second on 880 while SEA Games Gold medalist, Esther Cheah, on her first attempt, moved into third spot with 866.

Scores will increase significantly now that majority of the overseas bowlers have arrived. The largest team to reach were Singapore with more than 40 bowlers from two schools. Team Storm Thailand has more than 20 while 28 youths from Bowling Camp Korea led by James Kim will arrive this evening.

Photos by Terence Yaw, MTBC.

7th December, P.Jaya: National bowler, Mohd Noer Said from Sabah maintained pole position in the Boy's Open Masters qualifying leaderboard of the 6th Milo International Junior All Stars Wednesday evening at Pyramid Mega Lanes.

Mohd Noer, who made the grade into the National Squad two years ago, has yet to make his mark. The 18 year-old UiTM student has participated in many international tournaments for the last two years but have not done well. He signalled his intentions with a superb 964 over the 4-game qualifying round two days ago.

National youths are beginning to make their presence on Day 5 of the championship with Xavier Ang storming into second spot with 942 while last year's Adrian Ang found the going great to post 925 on his first attempt for third spot in the table.

National kegler, Syafiq Ridhwan and national youth Isaac Russell Paul rounded up the top 5 in fourth and fith with 923 and 892 respectively.

In the girl' open division, two time SportExcel-NSC-Milo-MTBC Junior Circuit winner and 8th Asian Schools Gold medalist, Nur Syakirah Yeoh remained top of the table with 909 posted Tuesday afternoon.

Hot on her heels came southpaw, Sharon Koh with 880. Sharon, who is having a great year winning two Gold medals in the 8th Asian Schools in Jakarta, a Junior Circuit leg title and in October, took the Youth Girls Open title. With a good performance here, she will certainly be knocking on the door to the senior ranks.

Penang's Irene Lee moved up from the mixed pool to take up third spot with 850 disloging another national youth, Yap Pui Yee of Kuala Lumpur to fourth on 829. Junior Circuit GP Finals champion, dropped one spot to fifth with 827.

Qualifying continues through to Sunday, 11th December and the masters finals will be contested on the 12th and 13th. As usual, the Piala Shalin 2005 will take place at Pyramid Mega Lanes on the 14th and 15th December for youth under 14 years of age.

Photos by Terence Yaw, MTBC.

6th December, P.Jaya: Natonal youths, Nur Syakirah Yeoh and Sharon Koh set an early pace to lead the Girl's Open Masters qualifying table of the 6th Milo International Junior All Stars underway at Pyramid Megalanes.

The 17-year-old Syakirah, who won two SportExcel-NSC-Milo-MTBC Junior Circuit legs this year and a Team Gold medal in the 8th Asian Schools in Jakarta, chalkd up a total of 909 to top the girl's table.

The leader posted lines of 256, 214, 218 and 221 to improve her earlier score of 803 to move up from third overnight. Asian Schools two Gold medalist, Sharon Koh, who led the field since the start of the championship, dropped to second with 880. Koh had lines of 223, 222, 234 and 199 in her 4-game qualifying round.

"I decided to skip the Malaysian Women's Games next week to concentrate on the All Stars so that I will do better," said Nur Syakirah. "I will be hoping to do well in the finals but I must also have sufficient practice before the finals.

Asked what chance she will have, Sharon replied: "I am aiming to finish at least for the stepladder finals, that's my target," said Sharon, who also took the Singapore Open Youth Masters title in October this year.

Kuala Lumpur's Yap Pui Yee took third spot in the table with 829 while SportExcel-NSC-Milo-MTBC Junior Circuit GP Finals champion, Noor anizah Abu Bakar finished fourth with 827 followed by another national youth member from Kuala Lumpur, Low Xin Pin in fifth with 823.

Meanwhile, National squad member, Mohd Noer Said from Sabah claimed top spot in the boy's division with a superb 964 ahead of another national bowler, Syafiq Ridhwan from Negeri Sembilan in second with 923.

Third spot went to Junior Circuit Selangor leg champion and national youth member, Isaac Russell from Sarawak in third with 892. The early overseas youths competiting in the championship were Daiske Horiguchi from Japan and Jin Lau from Singapore. These two youths are competiting in the Boy's Under-15 category and are now in seventh and eighth positions with 625 and 559.

A large contingent of youths will start to arrive tomorrow, 7th December and they are Thailand and Singapore. Quaifying continues through to the 11th December and the Masters finals will be held on the 12th and 13th December.

Photos by Terence Yaw, MTBC.

23rd November, P.Jaya: Pyramid Mega Lanes today announced in a press conference that the total prize money for the 6th Milo International Junior All Stars Bowling Championship has been increased to RM90,000 with RM20,000 to the Boy's Open champion.

The Milo International Junior All Stars Bowling Championship has gained greater recognition since its inception six years ago to be one of the most prestigious tournament for the juniors in the Asian region. The championship will be held at Pyramid Mega Lanes, Sunway Pyramid at Bandar Sunway from the 3rd to 13th December, 2005.

"The response for this year's event is overwhelming with more than 300 bowlers from 10 countries having confirmed their participation," said Mr Holloway Cheah, Pyramid Mega Lanes general manager at the press conference.

Australia has confirmed that they will be sending 10 bowlers to the championship after an absence of two years. The strongest support comes form neighbouring Singapore, which is sending more than 100 bowlers.

Many top-class youths from Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand will be pitched against many of our National team, who are still eligible for the junior championship.

Wonder boy, Park Jon Woo of Korea, who won the Boy's Graded title, will this year be competing in the Open division with Filipino Apple Posadas, winner of the ABF Tour Philippines leg, and Ernie Cheng of Chinese Taipei, winner of the Singapore Open Youth Masters.

ABF Tour Malaysia leg champion, Amanda Ng will be joined by her Singapore teammates, Jazreel Tan (2004 National champion), Jasmine and Jason Yeong Nathan (reigning Singapore National women and men champion), Travis Tay (Asian Schools Singles Gold medalist) and many other talented Singapore National youth members.

Leading Malaysia's charge will be Women's World Championship Gold medalist, Esther Cheah, Malaysian International Open ladies champion, Siti Safiyah Amirah, and Zandra Aziela (Asian Schools five Gold medalist and Commonwealth Youth Games Gold medalist).

The boy's division will be headed by Zulmazran Zulkifli (Commonwealth Championship two Gold medalist and ABF Tour Malaysia leg champion), defending champion, Aaron Kong, 2003 Junior All Stars champion, Adrian Ang and Zaid Izlan (Asian Schools and Commonwealth Youth Games Gold medalist).

The organizer has increased the total prize money to RM90,000 with RM20,000 as top prize for the Boy's Open champion while the Girl's Open champion will take home RM10,000. There is also the RM50,000 cash award for the perfect game during the Masters finals up for grabs.

Photos by Terence Yaw, MTBC.