Both Kim Soo Hyun and F.T. Island's Lee Hong Ki did well on the first round of the qualification event for pro-bowlers on Saturday, Oct. 22. The two still have matches on Sunday, Oct. 23 but both are in a good position to advance to the second round, which will be held on Oct. 29 and 30.
Out of 114 participants, Kim Soo Hyun came in 10th place, recording a total of 3,315 points and an average of 221, while Lee Hong Ki was in 27th place with 3,115 points and an average of 207.7, reported Soompi. The needed average for male participants to move on to the second elimination is 190 points.
Fans were not able to see Kim Soo Hyun and Lee Hong Ki at the preliminary event on Friday, Oct. 21 because the Korean Professional Bowling Association advised them not to attend and send a stand-in instead for the gathering. However, the two looked very serious as they took on their opponents on the first day of the first round.
Lee Hong Ki previously revealed on his radio show, "Lee Hong Ki's Kiss The Radio," that he and Kim Soo Hyun had been practicing intensely for the test.
"I'm practicing a lot. Both Kim Soo Hyun and I have been intensely practicing. We were originally planning to not say anything about trying out and just take the test, so we both feel a bit burdened. I want to pass the test fairly, which is why I'm practicing really hard," he said.
He also stated he's been "basically living" at the bowling alley. He is practicing for the sport after his shows, and is increasing his exercise while lessening his alcohol.
The rigorous process of being a pro bowler includes passing in two qualification rounds. Afterwards, individuals will be chosen to professional training courses which will determine if they have qualified to be professional bowlers or not. Other celebrities included in the elimination rounds are singer Chae Yeon and model Yoo Ji Ahn.
