On the cusp of greatness
Lawn bowler Emma on course to be the first two-time winner
PETALING JAYA: History beckons for national lawn bowler Emma Firyana Saroji.
The policewoman is through to today’s final of the World Singles Champion of Champions at the St Johns Park in New South Wales, Australia.
Yesterday, Emma rose to the occasion to beat Australian Carla Krizanic 10-2, 4-9, 5-0 in the playoffs and then stunned Group A champion Donna Knight of England 11-10, 12-6 in the semi-finals.
Having won the title in 2015, Emma will be bidding to become the first two-time champion since the tournament’s inception in 2003. Standing in Emma’s way is Laura Daniels of Wales.
Daniels has the edge though, having beaten Emma 10-7, 10-4 on the opening day of the round-robin Group B competition on Oct 30.
But Malaysia coach Zuraidi Puteh believes Emma is capable of turning the tables on Daniels.
“Emma will be better prepared this time. After her loss to Daniels, we analysed Emma’s performance. Since then, she has improved a lot. She has been playing remarkably well, especially in the playoffs and semi-finals.
“She has a strong character. I’m confident Emma will continue to put Malaysia on the world map by winning the title again,” said Zuraidi.
In 2015, Emma defeated Nici Neal of South Africa in straight sets (9-3, 9-8) in the final.
She is the second Malaysian women to win the title after Nor Iryani Azmi’s success in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2005. Mohd Hizlee Abdul Rais is the only Malaysian winner of the men’s crown, emerging triumphant in Cyprus in 2012.
The men’s singles final today is between Australian Aaron Teys and Dean Elgar of New Zealand.
Malaysian Izzat Dzulkeple’s challenge fizzled out after he could only finish seventh in Group A.