Natasha looking to book SEA Games spot in the US

PETALING JAYA: National bowler Natasha Roslan plans to make the most of the onemonth competition stint in the United States to nail a spot in the KL SEA Games squad.

The 21-year-old world junior champion is the only non-Podium Programme bowler to be named in the six-member side for the US Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour playing stint from June 1-25.

The five Podium members are Shalin Zulkifli, Esther Cheah, Sin Li Jane, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman and Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi.

While the five seniors look set to feature in the KL Games from Aug 19-31, Natasha isn’t sure of her chances although she made her Games debut in Singapore two years ago.

“I’m grateful to be selected alongside my seniors for the PWBA Tour,” said Natasha, who will leave with the team for the US today.

“This has to be the best opportunity for me to further stake my claim in the (SEA Games) team.”

Natasha can head for her second stint on the PWBA Tour in buoyant mood after retaining her National Championship crown last month. She became the first woman bowler to achieve the feat since Shalin in 2004.

“Winning my second straight national crown was a real confidence-booster. I feel like I can achieve so much more ... that’s why I’m looking forward to the PWBA Tour, where I’ll get to compete against the world’s best,” said Natasha.

“I learned a lot of from my first Tour in 2016 ... my goal is to get into the step-ladder rounds in each of the stops this time.”

Natasha posted three top-25 finishes in five events she competed last year. She was tied for 13th at the USBC Queens, 23rd in the Players Championship and 24th in the Lincoln Open.

The six national bowlers will begin their Tour at the Wichita Open in Kansas from June 1-3, followed by Lincoln Open in Nebraska (June 8-10), Greater Detroit Open in Michigan (June 15-17) and the Players’ Championship in Wisconsin (June 21-25).

Holloway will name his six-member SEA Games squad at the end of June.

Four other women bowlers – Sharon Koh, Nur Syazwani Sahar, Radin Nur Najwa Arifah Radin Dzulfakar and Victoria Chin – are also eyeing to be included. Their last chance to impress is at the Singapore Open (June 5-11) and Macau Open (June 18-24).