Format changes, reduced events a challenge
decision by the Indonesia Asian Games organisers to reduce the number of bowling events has given national coach Holloway Cheah a headache.
The organisers have decided to forgo the men and women’s singles and doubles disciplines.
Only six gold medals will be on offer at the games on Aug 18-Sept 2 in the men and women’s trios, team and masters events.
Holloway also disclosed that the team event will be contested by six bowlers instead of five.
“Although, I have yet to receive the technical handbook, I have received information that there will be format changes for the team and masters events.
“In the masters, each nation will only be represented by their two highest ranked bowlers,” said Holloway after the working committee meeting between the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC)and the National Sports Council (NSC) yesterday.
Holloway said he has short-listed six men and six women for the Asian Games.
“However, they cannot take things for granted as those who suffer injuries or a drop in performance will be replaced.
“I expect a gold medal in the women’s team as they are the world champions,” Holloway added.
In the 2014 Incheon edition, Malaysia returned with silver medals in the women’s singles
— Rafiq Ismail, Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek, Alex Liew, Timmy Tan, Ahmad Muaz Fishol, Adrian Ang; — Shalin Zulkifli, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman, Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi, Esther Cheah, Sin Li Jane, Natasha Roslan.