Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Sukma bowlers returned with one gold and one bronze at the Kuala Lumpur International Open Bowling Championship 2024 (KLIO24) held at Sunway Megalanes, Sunway Pyramid on Thursday.
Nur Aleeya Syakira Awg Ali won her first international title in the master girls’ graded category with a pin drop of 1,626, beating Perak Sukma athlete Nur Arieyana Zulaikha who finished with a 1563 followed by Balqis Nurdini of the Federal Territory (1563).
The bronze came from Emmanuel Fo Yung Khee in the master boys’ graded, where he scored a total 1645 pinfalls to finish behind winner from Singapore George Reyes (1683) and Perak Sukma athlete Chong Yew Jin (1659).
Both bowlers struggled to strike and barely survived in the opening four games before getting on track in the final four games following guidance from Sabah Tenpin Bowling Association president Rozzainny Sham Talip and Sukma coach Mohd Kamsul Kassim.
Kamsul who is also the team manager said it was the oil pattern that caused them problems at the start.
“The oiling pattern used in the tournament this time was quite challenging.Aleeya and Emmanuel started slow but managed to adapt well to finish strongly in the last four games after giving them some advice on ball selection and target line adjustment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rozzainny Sham who led the team was happy with the success of Emmanuel and Aleeya.
“Their success is very positive for our Sukma preparation. Hopefully all the Sukma athletes will continue to focus on their training. Our next tournament is the Sarawak International Open 2024 at Megalanes Kuching which is also the actual Sukma venue in August,” he added.
He also expressed his gratitude to Sabah Sports Council for the support in their training and preparation for all the tournaments they are participated in.
Sabah was represented by a nine-member squad in the international event. 12th placed Bryan Liew and Nabil Aiman in 14th position were the other two who qualified for the finals.
