NORA HITS JACKPOT IN MACAU
After three dry years, recalled back-up kegler wins maiden senior title
NORA Lyana Nastasia Norkamal ended her three-year senior title drought in style by overcoming a reigning world champion to win the ABF Tour’s Macau leg yesterday.
It was also a great personal victory for the 21-year-old who was dropped from the senior team early last year before she was recalled into the back-up squad in March.
In the final, Nora Lyana defeated Japan’s Futaba Imai 267-209 to win her first title since the Thailand Open in 2015.
Futaba won the women’s singles gold medal at last year’s World Championships in Las Vegas.
Nora Lyana started her day with a 255-200 win over
Thailand’s Kantaporn Singhabuboha, followed by victories over teammate Nerosha Keligit (199-167) and South Korea’s Kim Hyun A (235-234) to earn a crack at the title.
Futaba defeated former national bowler Hee Kar Yen 278255 in the semi-finals.
“I dedicate this win to my family. All I was thinking about today was to win the title for them,” said Nora Lyana.
“Although, I was against some of the best bowlers, I did not lose focus. I told myself that anything is possible in the sport.
“In the final, I held my nerves and did what my coach Gerald Samuel told me to do.
“His guidance was the key in my win over the world champion,” added Nora Lyana.
Despite her success, the bowler will play no part in the World Youth Championships in Detroit on July 24Aug 4.
Although, I was against some o f the best bowlers, I did not lose focus.”