One last chance for a bowling gold

INCHEON: It will be the last chance saloon for Malaysia to get their hands on a coveted bowling gold on Thursday.

The Malaysians have won only four silvers so far and the pressure is mounting on them to deliver the gold in the Masters.

After the first block of eight games at the Anyang Hogye Gymnasium on Wednesday, the Malaysian bowlers are in a good position to reach the step-ladder finals.

In the women’s competition, Sin Li Jane produced a commendable performance to grab third spot with a 1,672 total in the 16-bowler field.

She is just 39 pins behind leader Son Yun-hee. The South Korean has a 1,711 total followed by compatriot Lee Na-young on 1,697 pins.

Shalin Zulkifli is still in with a shout at sixth spot on 1,634 pins. Only the top three finishers after the second block of eight games today will compete in the step-ladder finals.

“I had my ups and downs today but I managed to finish off well. The gap between the first and sixth place is not that huge (77 pins) so I’m happy with my performance,” said Li Jane, who had lines of 221-181-201-218-213-155-212-231.

The Malaysian men, however, failed to fire on Wednesday with Zulmazran Zulkifli in 12th spot on 1,644 pins while Adrian Ang could only manage 1,511 for 16th and last spot.

Zulmazran, however, is just 120 pins behind leader Wu Siu Hong of Hong Kong (1,764). Hussain Al Suwaidi of the United Arab Emirates is second on 1,754 while Du Jianchao of China is third on 1,725.

“I’m not too far behind the top three. I can still catch up as tomorrow’s long oiling pattern suits me. I’ve to admit I made some mistakes today (yesterday),” said Zulmazran, who has two silvers in the trios and team of five.

National chief coach Holloway Cheah believes Zulmazran and Adrian will return strongly for today’s second block.

“Nothing is impossible. Our men did it by coming from behind to win the silver in the team of five. I’m sure Zulmazran and Adrian can do it again tomorrow. Anyway, the gap is not that big,” said Holloway.