By MARK REY MONTEJO
Filipino rising star Zach Ramin displayed poise beyond his years and toppled veteran keglers to reign supreme in the men’s division of the 53rd Singapore International Open at the Singapore Bowling @Rifle Range on Saturday, June 10.
*Teen bowler Zach Ramin poses with his trophy. (Philippine Bowling Federation Inc. Facebook)
*The 17-year-old beat top seed Yannaphon Larpapharat of Thailand in two games, 189-183, 229-212, to bring home the trophy and the $25,000 top prize. The victory came as a shocker for the 17-year-old bowler, who was coming off a 208-199 upset victory over defending champion Kim Bolleby of Sweden in the semifinals before downing Larpapharat, a 2014 Asian Games champion, for the title in his maiden appearance in the tournament. He also ranked second with 1852 pinfalls after the preliminary round behind Larpapharat (1885). Ramin, whose parents are working in Singapore, now sets his sights on loftier goals when he competes in the Asian Youth Championships in Thailand next month. Meanwhile, Sin Li Jane of Malaysia ruled the distaff side for the fourth time in her career. The 30-year-old turned back Singaporeans Shirleen Wong and Shayna Ng, 227-193, 195-178, en route to the plum.