THE WINNERS CIRCLE: The Sarawak bowling team posing with Lu (sixth right) and Alan (fifth left) at the end of the competition at Megalanes, Megamall late Sunday. — Photo by Davidson Kho
KUANTAN: Sarawak ended their tenpin bowling campaign at Megalanes, Megamall late Sunday as the overall runners-up when they captured a total of two gold, three silver and one bronze medals.
On the final day of competition, Jonathan Ding Sagan won the boys Masters bronze after he was defeated 224-198 Muhammad Rafiq of Kuala Lumpur in the semi-finals.
Muhammad went on the beat top seed Johnathan Chan of Pahang 223-181, 226-216 in the final.
The girls Masters gold was won by Syaidatul Afifah of Perak who defeated Pahang’s Feten Najihah 236-195 in the final.
Sarawak’s golds were delivered by Bong Kihow in the boys singles, Christopher Tiong and Jonathan Ding Sagan in the boys doubles while the silvers came from the boys doubles, boys team and boys all events.
The other bronze was won in the girls doubles contest.
Amateur Tenpin Bowling Association of Sarawak deputy president Robert Lu said he was happy with the team’s performance in Pahang.
“We have achieved what we came here for (two golds) and we are the overall champions for the boys with two golds, three silvers and one bronze,” said Lu who was also the team head coach.
He said the girls team did not do too well because they were still young and lacked experience.
They finished in seventh place out of eight teams with only a bronze medal to show.
“I am quite confident they will be able to produce better results in 2014 and 2016,” said Lu.
Meanwhile, technical coach and advisor Alan Chan said he was also happy with the team’s performance.
“The boys gave their 100 per cent for Sarawak and under lots of pressure but still managed to win two golds. I credit the team of coaches for their support and our supporters,” he said.
Alan said there is still a lot to do especially developing the young girls team for the coming Sukma.
“Hopefully, in two years’ time the girls can do better. I am also hoping that the state government can offer more support in terms of funding the young bowlers for exposure trips,” he added.
Alan said he would love to return to work with the state team again in two years time if given the chance.
“I would like to thank everybody for the support given to me during my stay here,” he said.