Aiman shows nerves of steel to roll M'sia into World Youth mixed team final

PETALING JAYA: The dreaded 7-10 split is a bowler’s worst nightmare, and that is precisely what national bowler Mohd Aiman Syahin Sulaiman encountered at the World Youth Championships at Megalanes Sarawak on Saturday (July 4).

But with a place in the final of the mixed team event on the line, the Asian No. 33 remained composed and skillfully rolled a spare to secure his team’s victory over Sweden.

This result ensured that the national mixed team will achieve a better finish than the bronze they secured at the previous youth championships in South Korea in 2024.

Earlier in the day, the quartet, comprising Aiman, Adelia Nur Izwan Syazalee, Adania Mohd Redzwan and Ethan Damien Goh, were resolute in their tie-breaker victory over the United States to reach the semi-finals after both nations were level on 15 points in Group B.

Their title charge will continue on Monday (July 6) in the final against Finland.

For Aiman, 20, the guaranteed medal comes as redemption in the tournament after failing to reach the medal stages for the singles and boys’ team events.

Meanwhile, Adelia, 19, and Adania, 20, secured their third medal of the championships following earlier successes in the girls’ team event and girls’ doubles.

The duo will be banking on their winning momentum to carry them to victory over Swedes Nicole Layrisse and Maja Engberg on Sunday (July 5) to reach the girls’ doubles finals.

RESULTS

Mixed Team

Semi-finals: Malaysia (Mas) bt Sweden (Swe) 228-203, 237-182, Finland (Fin) bt Germany (Ger) 194-202, 181-151, 237-222.

Second Round

Group A: 1. Sweden (Swe) 1,471 pins, 2. Germany (Ger) 1,539.

Group B: 1. Finland (Fin) 1,483, 2. Malaysia (Mas) 1,459.

Qualifying:

Squad 1: Czech Republic (Cze) 2,160, 2. Malaysia (Mas) 2,133, 3. Finland (Fin) 2,107.

Squad 2: 1. United States (US) 2,188, 2. Japan (Jap) 2,131, 3. Sweden (Swe) 2,128.

Selected: 10. Malaysia (Mas) 1,996.