23rd July, Bangkok: Singapore's Bernice Lim took over the overall lead of the Women's division at the end of the third block of qualifying at the 40th MWA-Thailand International Open Bowling Championships as Hong Kong's Tony Wong remained firmly in the lead of the Men's division.

Lim, who was tenth after the second block, shot 1132 in her third block to leapfrog into top spot with 3158. Malaysia's Gillian Lim had led Squad A in all of the three blocks, settled for second position with 3148, just ten pins from Lim.

2023 champion Nora Lyana Nastasia of Malaysia, who was fifth after two blocks, finished second to Lim in the same squad to clinch third position with 3137. Defending champion, Arianne Tay of Singapore missed the top 3 bracket by 22 pins to head the mixed pool with 3115.

The cut in 20th position in the mixed pool went to last year's third runner-up, Dyan Arcel Coronation of Philippines with 2971 behind Squad D winner, Nada Nawwarah of Malaysia in 19th position.

Qualifiers positioned 7 to 20 (14) plus top 6 from the Desperado squad will contest Round 2 finals tomorrow. The top 9 at the end of Round 1 will advance to Round 3 joined by the six seeded qualifiers. The top 6 after the Round 3 will proceed to the Stepladder Shootout Finals.

Meanwhile in the Men's division, Hong Kong's Tony Wong remained unchallenged and took top spot in the overseas pool with 3410. Defending champion, Rafiq Ismail of Malaysia took second spot with 3408. Overnight leader, Danial Abu Samah of Malaysia held on to third position with 3383.

2024 Malaysian Open champion, Hafiz Zainuddin of Malaysia headed the mixed pool with 3325 while the cut in 26th position went to Hong Kong's Keith Mark with 3148.

Napat Buspanikonkul shot 1106 in his third blocl to take over the lead of the local pool with 3194. Overnight leader, Supakrit Wantasuk settled for second position with 3183 while Chanathip Prempree clinched third position with 3153. The top 3 local and top 3 overseas earned a bye and automatically advance to Round 3 finals.