By MARK MONTEJO
Filipino rising star Zach Ramin displayed poise beyond his years and toppled much-seasoned keglers to rule the men’s division of the 53rd Singapore International Open at the Singapore Bowling @ Rifle Range on Saturday, June 10.
The teenager beat top seed Yannaphon Larpapharat of Thailand 189-183, 229-212 in the stepladder final to claim the the trophy and the top prize of $25,000.
Also a member of the PH squad that saw action in the Asian junior bowling kegfest held in Bangkok, Thailand last year, the victory actually came as a shocker for the 17-year-old Singapore-based bowler who was actually making his debut in the prestigious tournament.
Ramin bested the 32-year-old Larpapharat who wound up at second place as well as Swedish kegler Kim Bolleby who claimed the third spot.
Ramin, whose parents are working in Singapore, now sets his sights on much loftier goals ahead as he hopes to follow the footsteps of the country’s top bowlers in the likes of Marktwin Tee, Bong Coo, Liza del Rosario and legendary six time world champion Paeng Nepomuceno.
Meanwhile, Sin Li Jane of Malaysia was named as women’s division champion for the fourth time in her career.
The 30-year-old was second place before entering the finals behind Singaporean bet Shirleen Wong, but she managed to turn the story and bounced back, 227-193, 195-178 in the first and second matches of the final round to down Singaporean bets Wong and Shayna Ng.
