Zulmazran Zulkifli of Team Malaysia rolled a 1957 series for eight games to take the pole position. Zulmazran took the lead in the fourth game and never waivered despite all the high games that were shot. He just matched all the bowlers strikes and never looked back. American pro bowler Doug Kent rolled a 1913 series to take the second position followed by Hong Kong’s Eric Tseng. The first stage of the finals for the 7th Euro-Med Storm  International Masters Challenge produced a ton of strike and 2 perfect games. The first was from Storm pro staff Tim Mack and the second one was courtesy of Mike Wolfe a Columbia pro staff member. Wolfe is currently in fourth with a 1873 series four pins ahead of Hong Kong’s youth bowler Michael Mak. Ankara open winner Adrian Ang is in sixth with a 1852 series, while PBAP-Storm Invitational Wu Siu Hong is in seventh with a 1844 series. Korean lady pro bowler Ko Myoung Suk shot a score of 1840. Columbia pro staff member Tom Smallwood and UAE’s Hussain Al-Suwaidi are tied for ninth with a 1819 score. Benshir Layoso just made the cut at no. 24 with a 1753 series. He is the only Filipino in the round two of the finals and did it in a dramatic way needing a 246 in his final game to get in.

Spectators were amazed at the talent that was found in the 48 finalist that competed. It was like a who’s who in bowling as the best of Asia competed with the top bowlers of Europe and pro bowlers from the U.S.A. The Challenge has now attracted top bowlers from all three zones of the world. The title sponsors Euro-Med Laboratories and Storm Products Inc. are happy with the great turnout this year. Philippine Airlines is the Official airline, while Manila Bulletin is the official media partner. Heritage Hotel is the official hotel, while the artery hotel is City Garden Hotel. Other sponsors include Bevida Distilled Drinking Water, Ark International, Wave Products, Roto Grip, AZO, MOC, EGI, and Premiere Insurance & Surety Corp. The lanes are maintained by Bowlmart Training Institue led by Mr. Yap Kok Wee.

The top 24 bowlers will go on to Stage 2 of the finals where they will bowl another 8 games to determine the top 8 bowlers. These eight bowlers will go into a round robin match where the top 4 will advance to a step ladder to determine the winner. This Challenge is truly a demanding format where the skills of the bowler is truly tested. The stage two will start at 10 am on Friday at Paeng’s Midtown bowl in Robinsons Place, Malate,