Newsflash from Qatar International, Doha

[elsie]

Doha, Saturday, 13 December 2008

Thrilling last frames in the sixth game of Step 4 Final saw five bowlers battling to qualify for the coveted last spot for the semi-finals at the 8th Qatar International in Doha this afternoon.

Singapore’s Remy Ong held on to the lead to finish with a 227 average on 2724, and a 247 in the sixth elevated Jason Belmonte to second on 2654. ETBF rankings winner, Nina Flack from Sweden continued her outstanding form this year and with her 8 pin per game bonus equalled Belmonte’s 2654 total. England’s Dominic Barrett edged into the semis on 2650, despite a determined challenge by compatriot Nick Froggatt who threw a 279 in game 6, finishing just 6 pins shy of a semi-final berth.

“It was really impressive, the last couple of frames, especially when you know how tough the lanes are,” commented Sweden’s Martin Larsen who had missed the cut to top 8 this morning, along with defending QI champion, Kirsten Penny.

Play resumes at 4pm local time, when top seed Remy Ong will meet 4th place qualifier, Dominic Barrett, while Belmonte and Flack will contest the second semi-final in a total-of-two game knock out.

ends

lynne

 

[elsie]

Update from Doha:


The stage was set in Doha this evening for a repeat of the last Qatar International Championship when English woman, Kirsten Penny outclassed the male competitors to take the title.

In tonight's semis, Sweden’s Nina Flack was relentless. – cool, focussed and relaxed, Flack decimated Jason Belmonte 472-363, while on the adjoining lanes, Essex bowler, Dominic Barrett also put the pressure on and edged Singapore’s Remy Ong out of final contention, 466-449.

The televised final between the two 23-year olds, Flack and Barrett was an entertaining and exciting conclusion to this popular tournament, the last stop on the European Bowling Tour, with Flack prevailing 435-413, including her 16 pin bonus, to seize the title and 30,000 Euro prize check.

Tournament Director and EBF Vice President, Kim Jensen joined QBF President, Abdul Salam Abbas in presenting the trophy and prize cheques to the winners, and also announced the winners of the 2008 European Zone rankings. Nina Flack took the honours in the women’s division, while Finland’s Osku Palermaa topped the men’s division.

The 9th Qatar Bowling Open will be held in December 2009.

ends

Lynne