KUCHING: Jonathan Ding Sagan and Nadine Kong will defend their Open and Ladies’ crowns at the Sarawak Closed Tenpin Bowling Championship at Megalanes Adventure World, King’s Centre from April 19-27.
Jonathan is expected to face a stiff challenge from national back-up kegler Isaac Russell Paul who finished as the Men’s Open Masters runner-up in the Astro 38th Malaysian National Championship in Selangor recently, and Bong Kihow.
In the Ladies Division, Nadine may be challenged by Dayang Khairuniza Dhiyana Jamalidon who has yet to confirm her participation as the closing date for entries is next Friday.
National bowler Jacqueline Jenelee Sijore, who has just resigned from the national bowling squad due to injury, will not be competing.
As for the Boys Youth category, Bong Kihow is all set to defend his title and fend off the competition from Daniel Tan, Mohd Uzair Irsyad Noor Azrul, Syafiq Sajeli and Anthony Luang Cheng.
Jocelyna Judith Jonathan will be looking to defend the Youth Girls crown and the challenge will come from Nadine Kong, Jackelyn Ng, Nerosha Keligit and Jacelyn Ng.
The other category contested in this championship is the Piala Persatuan for the boys and girls.
A total prize money of RM7,350 and trophies await the winners for the Open Division, with the champion getting RM2,500 and trophy, runner-up RM1,200 and trophy, third placing RM800 and trophy and fourth placing to receive RM650 and trophy.
The top three finishers in the Ladies, Youth Boys and Youth Girls categories will receive a trophy and bowling ball while the top three finishers of the Piala Persatuan will get a trophy and hamper. Any bowler who rolls a perfect game of 300 will be awarded RM1,000 and certificate of achievement.
Open to all currently paid-up members of Amateur Tenpin Bowling Association of Sarawak (Abas), the championship organised by Abas is aimed at fostering and promoting goodwill, friendship and sportsmanship among its members.
This championship will also serve as a venue to select the state’s men’s and women’s teams to participate in next year’s Interstate Championship at Pyramid Megalanes, Sunway Pyramid in Selangor.
Competition will kick-start with the Piala Persatuan today and Youth Boys/Girls tomorrow.
The Open Division and Ladies competition will be held next Saturday and Sunday.