Gillian makes dream debut at Asian Schools bowling meet

PETALING JAYA: Youngster Gillian Lim entered this week’s Asian Schools Tenpin Bowling Championships hoping to mark her national youth team debut with as many gold medals as possible.

And the 18- year- old Sarawakian swiftly captured her first when she won the girls’ singles event to end Malaysia’s six- year title drought in the annual Under-18 meet at the Megalanes Sarawak in Kuching yesterday.

Malaysia last won a gold through Mohd Amirul Che Mat, Mohd Hazwan Shah, Mohd Farhan Mohd Ismail and Mohd Aizudeen Mustaqim in the boys’ team event in Bangkok in 2011.

Gillian posted lines of 206223-210-253-183-196 for a 1,271 total to win by just seven pins from Australian Emily Johnston in the presence of her family and friends.

Puteri Nurul Dini Mohd Faudzi made it a great day for Malaysia by coming in third with 1,251 pinfalls.

“It was a day to savour,” said Gillian.

“I’m not in the national team and this is only my first call-up. So, to win my first gold for the country in my home state ... it can’t get any better than this.

“I was fired up because my parents flew in from Miri last night to catch me in action. Thankfully, I didn’t let them down.

“My goal for the tournament is to win as many golds as I can. Hopefully I’ll continue to do well in the other events.”

Ahmad Azriq Izamudin added a silver for Malaysia in the boys’ division by amassing a 1,372 total to finish 34 pins behind winner Ivan Tse of Hong Kong.

Asian Youth singles champion Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam could only amass 1,276 pinfalls for ninth spot in the 63-player contest.

The tournament resumes with doubles competitions.