PETALING JAYA: Malaysia may have unearthed their next bowling sensation after teenager Adelia Nur Irwan Syazalee stole the show at the World Championships in Hong Kong.
The 18-year-old turned heads at the Top Bowl in Kai Tak Sports Park yesterday when she outperformed established names like Sin Li Jane, Natasha Roslan and Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman to clinch a stunning silver medal on her world meet debut.
Adelia eventually settled for second place after falling 189-217, 169-214 to Finland’s Essi Pakarinen in the final, but the result still marked a breakthrough moment in her blossoming career.
Her biggest statement came earlier, when she toppled Singaporean favourite Shayna Ng in a thrilling semi-final, winning 202-184, 160-164, 230-196.
Malaysia have a proud history of young bowlers shining on the world stage as Li Jane, Natasha, Siti and Jacqueline Sijore all tasted success early in their careers and Adelia looks poised to continue that legacy.
Naturally elated, Adelia said the defeat in the final was an eye-opener that will accelerate her growth.
“I’m really happy with the silver. Of course, everyone dreams of gold, but reaching the final itself is something I’m incredibly proud of,” she said.
“Playing Essi taught me a lot. She’s world-class, and the way she handled key moments was something I could learn from.
“I’ll take these lessons, especially staying sharp at crucial points, and keep improving.”
She admitted her semi-final win was the highlight.
“Beating Shayna was huge. She’s an incredible competitor, and I knew I had to be at my absolute best,” said Adelia.
“Handling pressure is something I’m still learning. I just focused on one frame at a time and trusted the work I’ve put in.”
Adelia booked her final berth by topping Group C with 15 points from five wins in seven matches, amassing 1,484 pinfalls – comfortably ahead of South Korea’s Kim Bo-ah (12 points) and Australia’s Bec Whiting.
Only group winners advanced to the semi-finals.
She hopes the silver is just the beginning.
“Topping the group was special. Every match was tough, so staying consistent meant a lot.
“I’ll take the positives and come back stronger in the doubles,” she said.
Meanwhile, Natasha and Siti exited in the round of 32, while Li Jane crashed out earlier. The men’s campaign ended in heartbreak when Hafiz Zainuddin lost a three-way roll-off for a place in the semi-finals.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
