22nd July, Bangkok: Malaysian national bowlers continue to lead the Open division qualifying rounds of the 49th MWA-Thailand International Open Bowling Championships with Danial Abu Samah taking over the Men's standings after the second block while Gillian Lim retained her lead in the Women's standings.

Abu Samah, who rolled 1148 in his opening block, added 1134 in his second block in Squad A to overtake overnight leader and defending champion, Rafiq Ismail for the top spot with 2282. Ismail settled for second with 2264 after managing only 1068 in the second block.

Chong Jun Foo of Hero Bowling, Malaysia, who topped Squad D, moved into the top 3 overseas pool with 2230. Overnight local pool leader, Chanasorn Wutti dropped to third with 2119 after managing only 966 to his superb 1153 opening block.

His team-mate, Supakrit Wantasuk leapfrog into top spot with 2152 followed by compatriot, Chanathip Prempree in second with 2126. The top 3 local and top 3 overseas qualifiers will earn a bye and automatically advance to Round 3 finals.

In the Women's division, overnight leader, Gillian Lim remained firmly in the lead with 2136 after adding 1005 to her first block of 1131. Squad C new leader, Nur Irdina and Shayna Ng of Singapore occupied second and third positions in the overseas pool with 2128 and 2120 respectively.

Phattaranan Pingchittapraphai also retained her lead in the local pool with 1912. 2016 Thailand Open champion and ex-international, Yanee Saebe moved into second position with 1903 followed by 2022 Thailand Open winner, Ramita Sarntong in third with 1889.

The top 3 local and top 3 overseas qualifiers will earn a bye and automatically advance to Round 3 finals. 2025 IBF World Cup gold medalist, Natasha Roslan of Malaysia headed the mixed pool in seventh with 2104 ahead of team-mate, Nora Lyana Nastasia in eighth with 2071.

The cut in 20th position went to Squad B leader, Radin Nur Najwa of Malaysia with 1965. Qualifiers positioned 7 to 20 (14) plus the top 6 from the Desperado squad will contest Round 2 finals on July 24. The top 9 at the end of Round 2 will advance to Round 3 joined by the six seeded qualifiers for 6 games.