The return of Alan Chan

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KUCHING: Sarawak has re-appointed experienced Canadian kegler Alan Chan as their new technical advisor to guide and prepare the state ten-pin bowling team for Pahang Sukma XV.

Chan was with the state team in 2010 when bowling was last contested in Sukma. The state won seven gold medals then in the games which was held in Melaka.

Possessing an impressive CV, he was also the former China national coach from 1998 to 2001. China was a bowling powerhouse during his stint with the national team especially during the 1998 Asian games in Bangkok, Thailand.

Formerly a technical staff working with renowned bowling equipment manufacturer Brunswick for 15 years until his retirement, Chan has vast experienced in the sport and is keen to lend his expertise to the state once more. Chan stated that he was honoured to help Sarawak in developing the sport that he devoted his life for.

Speaking to The Borneo Post during his first day at work yesterday, Chan was optimistic on Sarawak’s gold medal prospects. He was confident that the state keglers are up to the task in achieving the targets set by the state at Sukma XV. The state has targeted three gold medals from bowling at Sukma this year.

Chan admitted that he had to rebuild the team as most of the keglers who won gold for Sarawak in Melaka were either ineligible or simply over-aged. Thus, the trio of Aris Sontoso, Jacqueline Jenelee Sijore and Dayang Khairuniza Dhiyana will not be competing for Sarawak in Sukma XV.

“I was with them (the state keglers) for their exposure trip in Kuala Lumpur last week. I have made a few assessments of my own and I think I can improve them,” said Chan.

During the team’s exposure trip in Kuala Lumpur, the team participated in the 35th Canon Malaysia International Open Bowling Championship which was held at the Sunway Pyramid. The team did well only to be beaten by the more experienced and seasoned campaigners in the tournament.

Chan revealed that the state keglers were doing fine in the tournament until the final where they were eliminated. He has identified the reason and solution to the problems faced by the team during the state kegler’s last outing.

“They were young, excited and nervous during the finals. Maybe we need to work on their mental training and strength to face these sorts of competitive situations next time,” Chan commented.

When asked on the bowling set-up in the state, he replied that he was happy with the works being put by the state and was pleased to be here. He also praised current state coach Reginald Walters Angkas and team manager Robert Lu for their good work with the team.

The state keglers are expected to represent Malaysia in a tournament in Singapore on May 26. The five keglers shortlisted from Sarawak are Chong Jun Foo, Muhd Syafiq Sajeli, Christopher Tiong, Jackelyn Ng and Daniel Tan.