24th June, Macau: 2024 champion, Lei Hok Hin and 2026 Malaysian Open second runner-up, Veronica Dias De Souza staked their claims for the Men's Open and Women's Open Masters crown of the 2026 Macao China International Open Bowling Championships after an inspiring display in qualifying.

Lei rolled 792 in his first attempt and a sizzling 808 in his second attempt to take his 6-game tally wo a whopping 1600. His superb effort placed him top of the Local Pool. His team-mate and 2019 Macao China Open first runner-up, Lee Tak Man took up second position with 1591.

Tam Wai Chong finished third with 1582. The top 3 highest qualifiers in the Local Pool will automatically advance to Round 2 finals. Zoe Dias Ma and Chan Tak Seng are the two National Seeded qualifiers with 1579 and 1544.

16-year old Lau Pak Man of Hong Kong remained firmly in the lead of the Overseas Pool with 1660. Jomond Chia of Singapore leapfrog into second position after an impressive 855 effort taking his 6-game aggregate to 1646. Wu Siu Hong of Hong Kong slipped down to third with 1611.

In the Women's Open division, 2026 Malaysian Open second runner-up, Veronica Dias De Souza led Macau's bid to capture the elusive title for the first time ever after displaying impressive qualifying scores. De Souza totaled 1445 to lead the Local Pool.

Che Weng Si and Wong Son Ian joined De Souza in second and third positions with 1415 and 1406 respectively. The top 3 Local qualifiers will automatically advance to Round 2 finals. So Cheng Lam is the sole National Seeded qualifier with 1358.

Singapore women continued to rule the Overseas Pool with overnight leader, Colleen Pee remaining in the lead with 1519. 2024 Thailand Open champion, Arianne Tay of Singapore improved up to second with 1479. Kim Boah of KNSU/Korea also improved to take up third with 1477.

Again the top 3 Overseas qualifiers will also automatically advance to Round 2 finals. Kim Yeon Jin of KNSA/Korea headed the Mixed Pool with 1424 while the cut in ninth position is held by Hong Yun Seo of KNSU/Korea with 1311. Qualifying rounds will continue until June 25.