KEGLERS WITHIN MEDAL STRIKE

Boys and girls’ squads finish third in their team events in Detroit

Malaysia may not return emptyhanded after all from bowling ’s World Youth Championships in Detroit. The boys and girls’ squads finished third in the first block of their respective team events on Tuesday.

The boys quartet of Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam, Rafiq Ismail, Brandon Ting and Shahrukh Amin Zulkifli amassed 2,569 pinfalls, finishing behind Japan (2,691) and the Philippines (2,587).

In the girls' team, Malaysia's Nur Syazwani Sahar, Gillian Lim, Nur Ameerahusna Aznel and Nur Amirah Auni Azman reeled in 2,471 pinfalls for third position. South Korea topped the first block on 2,553, followed by the United States (2,482).

The teams completed their second block late yesterday.

"The boys’ team made good shots in all three games and kept the momentum going to finish behind Japan and the Philippines," said team manager Maradona Chok in Detroit yesterday.

Maradona also praised his girls’ team for their performance.

“It was another superb show of focus from the girls. They posted a massive 885 in the third game to push themselves up the standings,” he added.

Tun Hakim and Shahrukh Amin are 20th and 23rd in the boys’ all events.

In the girls, Nur Syazwani is seventh while Nur Amirah Auni is currently 24th.

Only the top 24 bowlers will make the cut for the masters event.

Malaysia have won medals in every edition since returning empty-handed from the 2002 event in Pattaya.