Ameerul to step aside for other youth bowlers to shine in Kuching

PETALING JAYA: World champion Tun Ameerul Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam won’t be defending his boys’ singles title at the Asian Youth Championships (AYC) in Kuching, Sarawak, from April 18-25.

The 20-year-old, who emerged as doubles gold medallists with Adrian Ang at the World Championships in Hong Kong last year, was not named in the eight-member team by the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) yesterday.

Although Ameerul is still eligible for the Under-21 biennial meet, MTBC opted to rest him to pave the way for other youth squad members to shine.

In Ameerul’s absence, last year’s World Youth Championships boys’ Masters silver medallist Shahrukh Amin Zulkifli will lead the boys’ side that include Hafiz Zainuddin, Nevern Netaneel Marcellinus and Muhd Syazirol Shamsuddin.

The girls’ squad comprise world youth girls’ All-Events winner Nur Syazwani Sahar, Gillian Lim and twin sisters Nurul Ayunni and Nurul Alyssa Junaidi.

The MTBC have also previously excluded Rafiq Ismail from the last edition in Manila two years ago, although Rafiq was eligible and was the top bowler at that time.

MTBC secretary-general Maradona Chok said Ameerul’s omission would not affect the team’s strength and pursuit of two gold medals in the tournament.

“We still have a very formidable squad especially with world youth champion Syazwani and silver medallist Shahrukh in the lineup,” said Maradona.

“MTBC are taking this meet seriously, especially when we’re the host the expectation is high.”

The team are looking to improve on last edition’s haul of one gold, three silvers and a bronze (1-3-1).

Malaysia are expected to battle familiar rivals South Korea, Japan and Singapore for the 10 gold medals up for grabs in Kuching.

In Manila, South Korea beat Malaysia to emerge as the overall champions with a convincing 7-1-2 haul.

Malaysia secured their best-ever medal haul of 6-3-1 in Macau in 2015.