S’wak plan to scorch Sunway Megalanes

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Bowlers targeting three golds each at 34th Malaysian National Closed and 23rd Interstate competitions

KUCHING: The state team are aiming for three gold medals each in the 34th Malaysian National Closed and 23rd Interstate Bowling Championship at Sunway Megalanes, Kuala Lumpur, from Jan 9-16.

GLORY AWAITS: Nyurang (third left) presents the state colours to Saifulbari. With them are (from left) Reginald, Lucas, Ting (right) and the bowlers.

GLORY AWAITS: Nyurang (third left) presents the state colours to Saifulbari. With them are (from left) Reginald, Lucas, Ting (right) and the bowlers.

Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) director Francis Nyurang Ding said he was confident the bowlers would be able to deliver and do the state proud.

“Tenpin bowling is one of the state’s strongest sports and has never failed to win medals in Sukma and national championships,” he said at the presentation of state colours to the team.

Nyurang attributed the bowlers’ success to the good management of Amateur Bowling Association of Sarawak (Abas), dedicated coaches and parental support.

He called the bowlers to do their part by putting up a good performance in both competitions.

Nyurang also stressed the importance for the bowlers to maintain a high discipline at all times.

“MSNS will not compromise on discipline. No matter how good you are, you have to go if you are not disciplined,” he told the bowlers.

Fourteen members of the state Sukma bowling shadow team are among the 17-strong contingent taking part in the championships.

They would serve as exposure outings for the ‘shadow’ players, according to team manager Saifulbari Shukri, who is also the Sukma team manager and Abas vice-president.

The second stringers will have a similar outing in the National International Open Championship at Sunway Megalanes from March 12-20.

The Sukma shadow boys squad consist of Aris Ardila Santos, Chong Jun Foo, Nazrin Wagiman, Bong Kihow, Muhd Syafiq Sajeli, Daniel Tan and Jonathan Ding Sagan while the girls are Dayang Khairuniza Dhiyana Abang Jamaliddon, Jacqueline Sijore, Nurafidza Amran, Dayang Aida Natasha, Syazwani Sajeli, Jackelyn Ng and Najiha Deli.

Saifulbari said they were targeting three gold medals each in the National Closed and the Interstate.

“Of course, we are also hoping to win a few silver or bronze medals.”

In the National Closed, eight gold medals are at stake in the men’s and women’s singles and graded while in the Interstate, 16 gold medals are up for grabs in the singles, doubles, foursome and all the events for men, women, boys youth and girls youth.

The three senior bowlers in the state team are Kelvin Eng, Caroline Chien and Nadiah Wagiman.

The assistant team manager is Robert Lu and the team coach is Jackson Ting, assisted by Angelo Koay.

Saifulbari disclosed that players not in the youth programme were training on their own at Riverside Superbowl while the youth bowlers were training at Crystal Bowl.

“The bowlers are training at least three hours daily,” he said.

Also present at the flag presentation were MSNS sports officer Lucas     Kallang and Unit Prestasi Sukan Tinggi Negeri head bowling coach Reginald Walter.