Kota Kinabalu: Sabahan kegler Nevern Nethaneel came second in the Open Masters of the 47th MWA-Singha Thailand International Open which was held from July 16-29 at Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl Ratchayothin, Bangkok, Thailand.
The fourth seed who had a great run in the competition lost 181-225 to top seeded Muhd Jaris Goh from Singapore in the final.
He had earlier overcome at South Korean fifth-seed Oh Byung Jun and sixth-seed Chanathip Prempree of Thailand 278-209-195 in the first Men’s Stepladder match before ousting second seed and top qualifier South Korean Hong Hae Sol and compatriot Muhammad Syazirol Shamsuddin 200-184-193 to reach the final.
It was Nevern’s first podium on the international scene and he expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him.
“This is my first ever podium, before this I only got fourth place in any of the open tournaments I competed in.
“I would like to thank MTBC (Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress), National Sports Council, Sabah Sports Council, and the Sabah Tenpin Bowling Association for sponsoring me the trip.
“Not forgetting also to my family who always gave me words of encouragement when I had thoughts of quitting,” he said.
Meanwhile, his next outing is at the Sarawak International Open Bowling Championship in Kuching which will be held in September.
