Sabah bowlers claim second place in Thailand Open Triples
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah bowlers have certainly turned some heads with their performance at the just concluded 1st Thailand Open Triples Lawn Bowls Games in Pattaya.
Bowls Sabah A comprising Supian Buang, Mohd Saufi Azinuddin and Saralia Lazarus may have settled for a runner-up finish but not after producing some memorable moments in the tournament.
In the preliminary group stage, the squad registered three wins, including against the eventual champions K2N of Thailand, one draw and a defeat to finish third, thus securing a place in the play-off.
And they did not disappoint, especially when they faced teams consisting of Thailand’s national players.
Bowls Sabah A registered a 16-14 win against Thai’s team SMB B in the play off to book a semifinal date against SMB A, which they also won 18-10.
The win set up a rematch against K2N for the title, but despite giving their utmost best, Bowls Sabah A went down fighting 11-16 in the final.
The team spokesperson, Supian Buang, said, it was still a proud moment for Bowls Sabah despite their second place finish.
“We were too tired in the final after playing our fourth consecutive match. Furthermore, we played in an indoor court which gave our opponents the advantage.
“Despite failing at the last hurdle, we were happy with the outcome, especially when our opponents are the Thai national athletes preparing for the SEA Games.
“We were able to beat them, including the champions K2N (in the group stage)...it was a proud moment for us,” Supian, a former national pairs champion, texted yesterday.
For the record, Sabah Lawn Bowls Association (Bowls Sabah) sent four teams of three bowlers each to the championship.
The others are Vianah Majin, Faria Manuk and Theresa Moguil (Bowls Sabah B); Juliana Duraman, Honila Suiming and Hamisah Jus (Bowls Sabah C); and Faridah Abdullah, Sylvia Olas and Anne Appolonius (Bowls Sabah D).
Among the objectives of Bowls Sabah in taking part in the tournament was to promote the Kinabalu Cup which will take place here later this month.