11th April, Bangkok: Malaysian bowlers ruled the lanes at Blu-O Rythmn and Bowl Paragon by occupying the top three positions of the Men's Open and Ladies' Open first block qualifying of the opening squad at 44th MWA-Singha Thailand International Open.

Sarawak youth, Abang Afiq Yazid of Malaysia, got off the block with a stunning 279 to lead compatriot, Brandon Ting by 18 pins after the latter rolled 261. Mohd Hafiz Zainuddin and Mohd Uzair Irsyad trailed in third and fourth with 242 and 230.

Mohd Hafiz added 215 in his second game to move into the lead as Abang Afiq suffered a low 171 to slip behind into second. 2017 MILO Masters first runner-up and a fifth Malaysian, Christiopher Tiong and Ting took up third and fourth.

Tiong conitnued his relentless pace to reel of 237 and 249 to end the block in the lead with 1132. 2017 Asian School Masters gold medallist, Tun Hakim stormed home with 224 and 256 to snatch second spot with 1106.

In the ladies' division, Malaysia totally dominated the running with the 2017 World Championships Team gold medallist members occupying the top three positions. 2017 SEA Games Masters gold medallist, Shalin Zulkifli led in the opening game but lost the lead to her team-mate, Esther Cheah.

Cheah led for another game before Siti Saifyah took over the lead from her after the fourth game to trail bu 11 pins. Shalin kept pace with the leading duo. Cheah ended the strongest to clinch pole position with 1144.

Siti Safiyah settled for second with 1137 while Shalin finished third with 1100. Malaysian national backup squad members, Nur Ameera Husna and Nur Amirah Auni completed the top five with 1063 and 1027 respectively.

2017 Asian School Singles and Doubles gold medallist, Gillian Lim took sixth position with 1014 followed by three more Malaysians.