19th September, Kuala Lumpur: TeamUSA's Diandra Hyman cruised along the opening session of the ladies' Masters, settling in around fifth place, then made her move as the light at the end of the tunnel came in sight. Come games 14 and 15 with scores of 235 and 224 she took pole position and looked comfortable for her position round game against Liza del Rosario of the Philippines. At that time, third place was held by Patricia Schwarz of Germany and the second Filipina, Liza Clutario, was fourth.

Whoever wrote the script for the final game completely upset the apple cart. Hyman beat Del Rosario fair and square, 225 - 203, and the big shock came as Clutario outpointed Schwarz, 257 - 164.

The eventual total points saw the juxtaposition of Hyman to second place, Schwarz out of the medal positions, Lee Eun Yok of Korea coming up into third place and the top seed position to Clutario.

"I had it in my mind to shoot a high game in the position round," said Clutario, whose total score of 3,573 is yet another Championship record, 21 points better than that of Ann Maree Putney of Australia in 1999. The Filipina's 257 destroyed Schwarz, who immediately broke down in tears at the thought of fourth place after fighting so hard to get into the top three. She has gold in trios and bronze in all events, so is now looking for the Masters' gold.

"This is costing me a fortune in hospitality," commented the Philippine Bowling Congress general secretary Dr. Danny Santos.

The opening stepladder match on Saturday morning will be Lee Uen Yok versus Diandra Hyman over one game, then the winner will challenge Liza Clutario for the 2003 Championship title.

For further information, please contact Media Director, Keith Hale at KEITHHALE679@aol.com , media@mtbc.org.my or via the World Championships Media Room Phone +60 37492 0902.