Rafiq Ismail and Arriane Tay Wins 55th Singapore International Open

Arriane Tay & Rafiq Ismail | Picture credit: 55th Singapore International Open organizers

The 55th Singapore International Open brought exciting bowling action to a close with champions crowned in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

In the men’s event, Malaysia’s Rafiq Ismail claimed the title after winning a close stepladder final against teammate Megat Zaqrul Haiqal. The match was decided over two games, with Rafiq forcing a deciding game and narrowly taking the win in the end.

This marked his third Singapore Open title, following previous victories in 2017 and 2019.

Rafiq had earlier advanced through the stepladder by defeating fellow Malaysian Syazirol Shamsuddin. Syazirol had opened the stepladder round with a strong win against Singapore’s Nigel Enriquez, who was the only local bowler to reach the final four.

Malaysia dominated the top four. Megat led with 1,490 pins, followed by Rafiq with 1,457, Syazirol with 1,406, and Enriquez close behind with 1,395.

In the women’s division, it was a home victory for Singapore. Arriane Tay secured the title with back-to-back wins against Malaysia’s Lavinia Kho in the stepladder final. Tay delivered high scores in both games to finish the event on top.

Lavinia had qualified as the top seed, while Tay entered the final from second position. Both bowlers showed strong performances throughout the tournament, but it was Tay who delivered the winning shots when it mattered most.