Meanwhile Malaysian nationals dominated the Men's Open division by finishing 1-2-3. National youth, Muhammad Hariz Adlan topped the round with 1812 after a keen tussle for the lead with Sunway Megalanes' Matthew Ong Tzi Ming. A second national youth, Megat Zaqrul Haiqal Bin Megat Zairudin took second spot with 1761.
Last year first runner-up and national podium squad member, Muhammad Hafiz Zainuddin completed Malaysia's domination in third position with 1745. Matthew Ong settled for fourth with 1727 while the best Singaporean was Cheah Ray Han of SBF in fifth position with 1712.
Defending champion, Rafiq Ismail had a scare after dropping down to 20th position with a disasterous 167 in the ninth game but recovered with a brilliant 267 in his eighth and final game to make the next round in ninth with 1698.
The top 16 finishers will advance to Round 2 finals tomorrow for another 8 games. The top 3 Women and Top 3 Men at the end of the Round 2 finals will proceed to the Stepladder knockout finals to determine the champion. The top prize for the Men's Open is a whopping RM50,000 (approx. US$10,500) and the Women's Open top prize if RM30,000 (approx. US$6,300).