Sunday, Feb 28, 2010

Gulf News

Dubai Bowling title goes overseas as Finn nudges past UAE duo

Dubai The inaugural Dubai International Bowling title went overseas with the fourth seeded Osku Palermaa of Finland nudging past the UAE duo of Naif Oqab and Shaker Ali Hassan and Singapore's Remy Ong for the Open Masters crown at the Dubai Bowling Centre on Friday.

Playing against the three ‘lefties', Palermaa did just enough to make it to the stepladder final by becoming the position and final bowler to qualify ahead of more famous names such as world champion Mohammad Khalifa Al Qubaisi.

He first conquered UAE skipper Ali Hassan 198-183 to advance to the next match against second seed Ong from Singapore. Ong could only watch his bonus frame split as Palermaa continued improving to finish with a score of 201-190 and set a final meeting against Asian champion and UAE star Oqab.

Pressure

This proved to be the most exciting match of the final with Palermaa missing a single pin in the sixth frame. But the UAE youngster too saw the pressure get the better of him as he missed pin seven in the seventh frame.

Another open frame in Oqab's seventh frame allowed the Finn to take the match, 203-176 forcing the match into a sudden-death decider. Palermaa was in total control winning the match 217-193 to win the title and take home the top prize of Dh60,000.

Palermaa's last title came in the World Ranking Masters in Naples almost a year ago. "I had two lucky breaks, one in the match with Shaker and the other with Remy," said the 26-year-old 2009 European Tour champion Palermaa after his victory.

"The lanes are extremely tough and it certainly favoured the left-handers. But the two matches warmed me up quite well and I was totally relaxed in the match against Naif," he added.

Oqab had to settle for the runner-up cheque for Dh30,000 while Ong took Dh15,000 for his efforts and Shaker Ali took home Dh7,500.

The main sponsor was Grand Capital LLC with SuperPrice Car Rental, National Quarries and United as co-sponsors. The tournament was sanctioned by the Emirates Bowling Federation, Asian Bowling Federation and World Tenpin Bowling Association with total endorsement from the Dubai Sports Council.

By Alaric Gomes

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