Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s Nabil Aiman Mantaib emerged as runner-up in the Under-25 category of the Sarawak International Tenpin Bowling Open Championship held at the Megalanes Sarawak in Kuching over the weekend.
He lost the title match to national bowler Wan Muhammad Zarif Ikram 182-234 after beating Thai opponent Vilinkorn Kledkaew 237-136 in the semi-final.
He had earlier made it to the stepladder final by finishing third behind Zarif and Vilinkorn after playing three blocks over two days.
Nabil, who received RM4,000 prize money, was delighted with his first podium appearance at the national and international stage.
“I did not expect to finish as runner-up. This is the first time for me to be on the podium after 11 years of trying,” he said.
He paid tribute to his parents, contingent leader Aisyah Abdullah, team manager Zulfauzy Ag. Besar, coach Sheridan Latif, Sabah Tenpin Bowling Association (STBA) and Sabah Sports Council for their support.
STBA president Rozzainny Sham Talip, who congratulated Nabil for his breakthrough, said the State body is very proud of his achievement.
“We are very proud of his achievement. He has made a name for Sabah by beating 208 other participants including several international and national players in the competition,” he said
Meanwhile, Nur Jeehan was also crowned girls’ junior champion in the competition and received RM500.
Sabah was represented by an eight-member team to the competition and the other bowlers were Emmanuel Fo, Aaron Liew, Intan Qistina, Nurul Amirah, Nurul Aleeya and Cara Loh.
