17th April, Bangkok: Lam Nok Him of Hong Kong, China took pole position in overall standings of the 50th MWA-Thailand International Open Bowling Championships after leading Squad D while Wong Son Ian of Macau, China topped the Women's Open division in the same squad.

Muhammad Fauzul Aziem of Malaysia got off the block with a superb 258 in his opening game to lead Lam by just a single pin. A second Hong Kong national, Jason Leung occupied third spot with 243 ahead of a second Malaysian, Muhammad Aiman Farhah in fourth with 234.

Muhammad Fauzul added 221 in his second game to extend his lead to five pins as Rattanapat Chatchaisiri of Thailand shot a sizzling 269 to move up to second. A third Hong Kong national, Wu Siu Hong took up third spot with 254 following his 195 opener.

A second Thai, Vilinkorn Kledkaew rolled 256 to share the lead with Rattanapat after the third game. Lam recovered with 235 to take second spot with the Malaysian slipping down to third.

In the Women's division, Phoovanida Boonkham of Thailand set the early pace to lead the field with 201 ahead of compatriot, Sariya Chongvarin in second and Hui Tong of Macau, China in third spot. Despite a moderate 173 in the second game, Hui remained in the lead.

Sariya trailed in second, nine pins away with Phoovanida down in third. Newly-crowned Women's Grade A champion, Jermaine Seah of Singapore took over the lead briefly before Wong Son Ian rolled a big game of 255 to become the new leader.

Wong ended with 200 to seal top spot in this squad with 985. Her team-mate, Hui Tong finished second with 927. Sariya took third position with 883. Wong's effort only placed her in 12th position in the overall standings. Sin Li Jane, Nora Lyana Nastasia and Lavina Kho Jia Jie of Malaysia remained the top three.

The last squad of the day will take to the lanes for their first block of five games at 9:00pm local time. The bowlers will resume with their second block of five games tomorrow and the final five games on April 19. Round 2, Round 3 Finals and Stepladder Finals will be held on April 20.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Bangkok, Thailand.