BANKING ON THE WOMEN
All hopes of achieving one-gold target depend on them
BOWLING is Malaysia’s biggest contributor in the Asian Games with a haul of 10 gold, 11 silver and seven bronze. However, it could be tough this time at the Asian Games in Palembang as the hosts have reduced the number of events with only six gold (men and women’s trios, team and masters) on offer.
The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) have set a one gold target with the women’s team being the main hope.
South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan, however, could spoil the party for the Malaysians.
MTBC secretary general Maradona Chok said the women’s team, who won gold at last year’s World Championships in Last Vegas, will need to be at their best to get the better of Korea and Singapore.
“Expectations are definitely high on our women’s team to deliver with Singapore and Korea being our main competitors. Like us, they have a complete team, where all six bowlers are world class,” he said.
Shalin Zulkifli, Sin Li Jane, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman, Esther Cheah, Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi and Natasha Roslan make up the Malaysian team.
Asked whether the pressure to deliver would backfire, Maradona added: “I believe our team are mature enough to handle the pressure. Of course, there is pressure but I am confident the team will overcome it.
“They just have to focus and bowl well on the lanes,” he said.
While the women’s squad look set for a podium finish, Maradona has not written off the men’s chances.
“They (men’s squad) are a close knit group and perform best when they are together. They will be a force to be reckoned with in the team event.
“Our men are out to prove themselves, so they have to gain strength from each other and also have the self-belief,” said Maradona, who tipped Korea to be the men’s team to beat.
The Malaysian men’s squad consist of Rafiq Ismail, Adrian Ang, Syafiq Ridhwan, Alex Liew, Ahmad Muaz Fishol and Timmy Tan.
Maradona also expects the competition to be an open affair with the newly-introduced 10-frame scoring system being used for the first time in a major event.
“With the new scoring system, everyone has a chance. Taiwan are another team that will be dangerous in both the men’s and women’s events as they are spinners,” he added.
Bowling begins on Tuesday at the JSC Bowling Centre in Palembang.
At the 2014 Incheon edition, Malaysia won four silver.