12th September, Kuching: Top-seed, Lin Yifeng of Chinese Taipei remained the Last Man Standing after defeating Phanupong Permpimol of Thailand, 248-187 in the final to win his first-ever international title at the concluding Sarawak International Open Bowling Championships 2026.

Phanupong started well in the title match against Lin but the Taiwanese rolled five consecutive strikes as the Thai could not find any to trail Lin by 48 pins after the sixth frame. The 26-year-old Lin downed a double in the eighth and ninth frames to put the match beyond Phanupong.

Lin ended the tie with 248 while Phanupong finished with a clean game of 187. Lin took a commanding victory in the second match with 264 and Phanupong shot 223. Fourth-seed, Muhammad Noor Hidayat of Malaysia crashed out to settle for third.

Muhammad Noor Hidayat won the first Last Man Standing match with 244. Phanupong rolled 238 and Lin shot 230 to stay in the hunt. Third-seed, Muhammad Danial Abu Samah crashed out with 215 to end up in fourth position.

In the earlier 8-game Masters roll-off, Lin amassed a total of 2036 to advance to the Last Man Standing shootout as top-seed. Phanupong finished second with 1952 and Muhammad Danial took third spot with 1944. Muhammad Noor Hidayat made the cut in fourth position with 1912. Airel Amri of Malaysia missed the cut by 20 pins after he finished fifth with 1892.

Before the title match was contested, the Guest of Honour, Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Professor, Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak arrived at the Megalanes Sarawak to witness the finals along with Yang Berhormat Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development of Sarawak.

Also present were Yang Berhormat Senator Dato' Ahmad Nin Dato' Sri Haji Ibrahim, Member of the Senate, Parliament of Malaysia, Puan Dedia Sarina Binti Ahmad, Acting Head, Sports Development Division representing Mr Mu'azamir Bin Haji Jili, CEO of Sarawak Sports Corporation and Mr Sunny Si, President of Amateur Bowling Association of Sarawak (ABAS).

Ms Caroline Chan, Secretary of ABAS presented prizes to the Youth Division winners while Tuan Haji Shaifulbari Shukri, Deputy President of ABAS presented the prizes to the 3DU Division winners.