Birgit Poppler led a German one-two finish in the first block of women’s qualifying as action continued today at the World Bowling Singles Championships in Doha ©World Bowling/Terence Yaw

Birgit Poppler led a German one-two finish in the first block of women’s qualifying as action continued today at the World Bowling Singles Championships in Doha.

The 30-year-old registered an average of 234.50 to finish ahead of compatriot Laura Beuthner, who managed 225.50 at the Qatar Bowling Centre.

A close third was Colombia’s Clara Juliana Guerrero after she posted an average of 225.25.

Poppler, the trios gold medallist at this year’s European Championships, completed the first block with a 229 to take pole position on 938 pins. 

It earned her women’s daily high series award of $200 (£157/€186) from the Qatar Bowling Federation.  

Beuthner, meanwhile, had to settle for second despite leading the pack until the last game of the block.

Birgit Poppler (centre) is followed in standings by fellow German Laura Beuthner (left) and Colombia's Clara Juliana Guerrero (right) ©World Bowling/Facebook
Birgit Poppler (centre) is followed in standings by fellow German Laura Beuthner (left) and Colombia's Clara Juliana Guerrero (right) ©World Bowling/Facebook

Puerto Rico’s Kristie Lopez and Latvia’s Diana Zavjalova completed the top five with averages of 222.75 and 220.75 respectively.

The men’s squad two are due to resume with their second block of four games tomorrow morning.

This will be followed by the continuation of women’s competition, with their second block scheduled for the afternoon.