7th October, Petaling Jaya: Sarawakians rule the Open Masters qualifying rounds of the 46th Malaysian National Bowling Championships with Chong Jun Foo remaining in the lead of the Men's division and Nur Hazirah Binti Ramli taking over top spot of the Women's division.

Chong, who topped the standings two days ago with 1358, remained unchallenged on the final day of the qualifying rounds which ended this afternoon. 35th Malaysian Interstate Boy's All Events bronze medalist, Megat Zaqrul of Pulau Pinang and a member of the Malaysian National Youth squad also remained in second with 1349.

35th Malaysian Interstate Team gold medalist, Syafiq Ridhwan of Kuala Lumpur moved into third spot with an improved 1346 while his team-mate and 35th Malaysian Interstate two gold medalist, Timmy Tan slipped down to fourth with 1343. Daniel Abu Samah of Pahang rounded out the top five with 1338.

Muhammad Syazirol of Kedah, who is the defending champion, had to give up his automatic qualifying spot after winning the 35th Malaysian Interstate All-Events gold medal. His spot went to Azriq Izamuddin of Kuala Lumpur, who was the reserved qualifier with 1258.

Meanwhile, 2024 World Youth Team gold medalist, Nur Hazirah Binti Ramli of Sarawak and a member of the Malaysian National Youth squad, amassed a 6-game total of 1395 to leapfrog into the lead of the Women's Open standings. Overnight leader and PWBA Bowler of the Year, Sin Li Jane dropped to second with 1325.

But Sin, as defending champion, will automatically qualify for the finals. 35th Malaysian Interstate silver and bronze medalist, Faten Najihah took third spot with 1325 ahead of five-time National champion, Sharon Koh of Putrajaya sharing fourth spot with 35th Malaysian Interstate Doubles gold medalist, Gillian Lim of Sarawak with 1316.

Natasha Roslan, who won the 35th Malaysian Interstate All-Events gold and an automatic qualifier for the Masters finals, had made the finals on her own accord in seventh position with 1303 hence her spot will be given to the first reserve, Intan Qistana Binti Tamring of Sabah.

The Men and Women will contest their 8-game Masters Finals at 2.00pm on October 8 after the Graded Masters Finals, which is schedule at 9.00am in the morning. The top 3 Men's Open and top 3 Women's Open at the end their finals will proceed to the Stepladder Shootout Finals to determine this year's national champions.