Hui Fen, 17, held off late challenges from Japan's Misaki Mukotani and Oh Nu-Ri of South Korea at the Orchid Country Club to clinch the Republic's first gold medal at the inaugural Games.

The former Singapore Sports School student scored a combined total of 1,359 over six games to finish 45 pins ahead of the second-placed Mukotani.

Oh was third with 1,308 pinfalls. Hui Fen, who revealed that she was actually gunning for gold in the team events later this week, said playing on home soil was the key.

'It makes it more comfortable knowing your friends and family are here,' she said. 'I feel very happy and honoured to win the first gold for Singapore. I just wanted to do my best.'

For her efforts, Hui Fen will receive a cash reward of $4,000, offered by the Singapore Bowling Federation and Orchid Bowl for every gold medal won by the country's keglers.

After two days of competition, the host nation's overall medal count now stands at one gold medal and two bronzes.

Singapore chef de mission Lee Wung Yew expects more medals to come before the Games end on July 7.

He said: 'The load is lifted off the shoulders. Based on our performances so far, I'm really confident we'll be getting a few more medals.'

The bowling competition continues on Thursday with the boys' and girls' doubles events.