Remy Ong, who had slipped down to 11th position after being in the top 5 yesterday, made two additional attempts earlier and failed to make any improvements. But at the 4.00 p.m. Squad 21, the 30-year-old Singaporean set the lanes ablaze with 228, 237 and 259 for a sizzling 724 series.

Ong's effort gave him a 9-game aggregate of 2,016 from 724, 680 and 612 to move into pole position in the standings which also made him a second bowler to surpass the 2,000-mark.

American PBA pro, Tim Mack who had earlier taken over the lead, albeit only briefly, had to settle for second spot with his 2,004 tally.

Day 2 high series winner, Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia, also notched up 641 identical to his second best series that placed him third behind the American on 1996.

Ahmed Al-Hadyan of Saudi Arabia continued to slide down in the standings to take up fourth with 1,987 while local crowd favorite, Paeng Nepomuceno of the Philippines also slipped down to fifth with 1,962.

This year's H.H. Emir Cup champion and 2010 EBT winner, Dominic Barrett, who shot 720 earlier and was hoping to win the high series award only to be pipped by Ong, improved to seventh position on 1,953.

Three Amercian PBA pros, Parker Bohn III, Josh Blanchard and Kuwait Open champion Chris Loschetter occupied eighth to tenth positions with 1,945, 1,943 and 1,907 respectively.

The final cut after three days of qualifying rounds is held by three Saudis, Adullah Al-Dulaijan, Feras Abdulferaj, Rashidan Al-Rashidan all tied at 1,731.

Qualifying will continue for another two days, and the finals will commence on March 29 and ending on March 30.

The 5th Kingdom International Open major sponsor are Saudi Paper Company, Arriyadiah, the Arabic sports daily of Saudi Arabia, Sports Channel TV, UFM and Dunkin Donut. Qualifying rounds will end on March 28 and the finals will be stage on March 29 and 30.