National lawn bowlers ooze class in opener

MALAYSIA lived up to their top billing in lawn bowls after winning all their opening round-robin matches at the National Lawn Bowls Centre in Bukit Kiara.

Overwhelming favourites Malaysia have made clear their intentions of sweeping the bulk of the eight golds – in men and women’s singles, pairs, triples and fours.

Yesterday, national women’s singles player Emma Firyana Saroji (pic) defeated Thai Nuanphak Ariyapattanaporn 21-11 while Mohd Soufi Rusli downed Thailand Peewatin Kirdkaew 21-4.

Emma, who won the World Champion of Champions title in 2015, said she’s not taking any of her opponents for granted.

“It’s a good start but we need to keep focused. We are still adjusting to the new greens. I just want to maintain my form,” said Emma.

The Malaysian men’s pair of captain Mohd Fairul Izwan Abdul Muin and Muhd Hizlee Abdul Rais were also in good form as they defeated the Thai pair 20-13.

The Malaysia Lawn Bowls Federation ( MLBF) have set a modest four-gold target, but expectations are high on their world-class players to make a clean sweep.

The last time lawn bowls was contested at the Games, Malaysia ended with a 4-1-1 haul at Korat 2007.

When the Games were held in Kuala Lumpur in 2001, Malaysia enjoyed a 5-1-0 tally for their best-ever haul.