No title at BEC but Li Jane and Esther among top three women bowlers

PETALING JAYA: The title continues to elude Malaysia at the Brunswick Euro Challenge (BEC) in Germany — despite a strong presence of 22 bowlers.

None of the eight Malaysian finalists came close to winning the prestigious European Bowling Tour (EBT) event in Munich on Sunday but Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman emerged as the best performer again by finishing in ninth place.

Siti Safiyah, who was fifth last year, posted a six-game total of 1,290 to miss the top-eight cut for the third round by just four pins.

Sin Li Jane made it two Malaysians in the top 10 by amassing 1,286 pinfalls while Esther Cheah finished 18th with a score of 1,250.

Siti Safiyah and Li Jane pocketed €1,900

(RM8,700) for their efforts

€1,400 while Esther settled for (RM6,400).

The other five Malaysians — Adrian Ang, Zulmazran Zulkifli, Nur Amirah Auni Azman, Hafiz Zainuddin and Tun Ameerul Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam — failed to progress beyond the first round.

But there was some consolation for Malaysia when Li Jane and Esther were among the best three women’s bowlers of the tournament — thanks to their outstanding performances during the qualifying rounds.

Li Jane, a three-time EBT champion, chalked up an impressive sixgame series of 1,439 to finish second to American Danielle McEwan (1,487) in the 75-woman standings. Esther shot 1,417 for third. €700

Li Jane earned an extra €500 (RM3,200) while Esther made (RM2,300).

“I’m obviously disappointed to have reached just the second round, but the lanes were really tough this time,” said Li Jane, the runner-up in 2015.

“It’s really not too bad if you take the second best female player award into account. Still a great start to the season I would say.”

Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC)’s secretary-gener- al Maradona Chok took the outcome in his stride.

“It was a good exposure for the team, although we had expected them to progress further.

“But again, this is a top-tier EBT event where the level of competition is extremely high,” said Maradona.

“We’ve learnt a lot about the abilities of the back-up bowlers as well as some of the elite members, especially when they encountered tricky lane conditions. The coaches will be working with them to adjust their strategies.”

The national team’s next assignment is the Thailand Open from April 12-15.