Kong streaks ahead for early lead

23/12/2001

AARON Kong of Penang rolled a total of 2,625 pinfalls in first round of
the SportExcel-NSC-Milo 2001 Grand Prix Finals to become the early
favourite for Boys Open title at the Megalanes in Sunway Pyramid
yesterday.
Aaron, who won the graded title last year, was surprised with the way he
played yesterday as he did not do too well in the earlier six legs leading
into the Grand Finals.
"It is amazing at the way I rolled today (yesterday) because I never
expected to be at the top going into the round robin tomorrow (today). But
it is too early to celebrate because I have to perform better if I want to
stand at the top of the podium," said the Penang lad.
The best finish for Aaron was in the Penang leg early this year where he
finished second.
"My target is to do well enough in the SportExcel circuit that national
selectors will notice me and I will be able to fulfill my dream of donning
national colours," said the 16-year-old Aaron.
Another surprise package of the day was Voon Kim Ling, 16, also of
Penang.
Voon rolled a total of 2,299 pins to top the Girls Open category.
"I never did well in the six legs leading into the Grand Finals. My best
finish was second in the Pahang leg, but now that I am at the top after
the first round, anything is possible tomorrow (today)," said Voon.
The top eight finishes from round one will battle for the Grand Finals
title today and by the look of things, Aaron and Voon, who led the first
round field by more than 200 pins, should be able to make it to the top of
the podium if they keep their composure.
BOYS' OPEN - Round One: 1 Aaron Kong (pg) 2,625 pins, 2 Poh Yee Min (Pg)
2,377, 3 Mohamed Noer Said (sab) 2,367, 4 Mohamed Nadri (sel) 2,366, 5
Karry Chang (Sar) 2,354, 6 Jackie Ting (Sar) 2,353, 7 Hafizul Hafiz (Pk)
2,345, 8 Adrian Ang (Pg) 2,327.
Graded - Round One: 1 Melvin Lai (Sel) 2,375, 2 Mohamed Hazri Hazali
(KL) 2,317, 3 Johan Jamaluddin (Sel) 2,300, 4 Mohamed Khairul (Kel) 2,288,
5 Mohamed Hafiz (Ked) 2,284, 6 Mohamed Zaim Said (Sab) 2,200, 7 Steven Yam
(Pg) 2,156, 8 Poon Cha Ling (Sar) 2,125.
GIRLS' OPEN - Round One: 1 Voon Kim Ling (Pg) 2,405, 2 Denise Hee (Pg)
2,299, 3 Esther Cheah (Sel) 2,284, 4 Zandra Aziela (Sel) 2,282, 5 Lim
Jiachyi (Sel) 2,238, 6 Lee Sze Hui (Pah) 2,188, 7 Elaine Lam (Pk) 2,177, 8
Saw Bee Bee (Pg) 2,144.
Graded - Round One: 1 Sharon Koh (Sel) 2,246, 2 Farah Asilah (Joh)
2,160, 3 Yap Pui Yee (KL) 2,110, 4 Ziran Nadiah (Sel) 2,100, 5 Vivean Kely
(Sab) 2,097, 6 Tay Li Neo (KL) 2,091, 7 Lim Wai Jun (Bandar Penawar Sports
School) 2,076, 8 Lye Siew Lih (Mal) 2,057.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
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