11th September, Kuching: 2024 Champion, Chong Jun Foo of Hero Bowling won his second Classified Masters title of the Sarawak International Open Bowling Championships 2026 from pace-setter, Li Zhen Yu of Chinese Taipei in second and another Sarawakian, Abang Aqasha Bin Abang Esmiera third.

2023 Classified Masters champion, Bong Kihow had the dream start with 284 in his opening game to lead Mohammad Faiz Dzuhairy Bin Dzafran of Accent, Brunei by nine pins on 275. Chong also had a great start with 268 while Challenger Crown second runner-up, Melvin Gilbert Gimang Anak Tingau shot a big game of 262.

Chong followed added 248 in his second game to quickly move into the lead as Mohammad Faiz Dzuhairy shared second spot with Bong. Ezza Ezani Bin Mukhir of Ahacaba, Malaysia had 251 and 243 in his first two games to take up fourth.

The leader extended his lead from three pins to 15 pins with another superb game of 244 in the third game. Ezzat Ezani added another 251 to move up to second and Mohammad Faiz Dzuhairy slipped down to third.

The Taiwanese ended the eighth game with 239 to move into the lead. Abang Aqasha shot 282 and took over second. Chong managed a decent 215 to move back up to third with Mohammad Amin Syimir in fourth and Ezzat Ezani fifth.

With less than 18 pins separating the top five contenders, it all came down to the final position-round match and having all the top five next to each other. Chong bounced back brilliantly rolling 10 consecutive strikes and going for a perfect game.

He struck just nine pin in his 11th frame and then spared to end with 289 and snatching a hard-earned victory with 2153 total. Li survived with 218 to settle for second position with 2097 while Abang Aqasha held on to third position with 2086.

Ezzat Ezani ended strongly with 227 but missed the podium by one pin in fourth with 2085. Mohammad Amin Syimir rounded the top five with 2070. Chong pocketed the top prize of RM20,000 as champion. Li took home RM10,000 and Abang Aqasha RM4,000 as first and second runners-up.