SITI HOPING TO BE THIRD TIME LUCKY IN LAS VEGAS

Siti giving it another go in Sin City

PETALING JAYA: Bowler Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman (pic) is hoping that her third visit to Las Vegas will prove to be the lucky charm as she seeks to win her first gold medal at the World Championships from Nov 25-Dec 4.

The 27-year-old’s previous two world meet appearances – in 2009 and 2013 – were also at the Sin City.

She helped Malaysia win the team bronze in 2013.

“I’ve somehow ended up in Vegas for yet another world meet,” said Safiyah.

“It could be good sign. Who knows ... third time’s the charm, hopefully.”

Safiyah has been in good form of late, coming close to winning Malaysia’s first women’s title before settling for second place at the QubicaAMF World Cup last week.

She is definitely one of the best-performing women bowlers in the national team this year.

In March, she finished third in the mixed-field Emir Cup in Qatar before creating history by becoming the first Malaysian winner on the US PWBA Tour when she triumphed at the Wichita Open in June.

She turned super sub in August when she steered Malaysia to victory in the team event at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.

“I’m in the form of my life. I’ve never enjoyed such a great run in a season since joining the national team 12 years ago,” said Safiyah.

“I played my best bowling in 2009, but now I’m even better ... a much more complete bowler.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to translate this form into a title at the World Championships.”

The other five national team members competing in Las Vegas are Shalin Zulkifli, Sin Li Jane, Esther Cheah, Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi and Natasha Roslan.

Safiyah and Shalin were not in the team that returned empty-handed from the last world meet in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.

Jacqueline Jenelee Sijore was the last Malaysian women’s singles champion when she emerged triumphant at the 2011 edition in Hong Kong.