Bowler Siti Zalina thrilled after latest victory
SEPANG: Lawn bowler Siti Zalina Ahmad regards her latest victory in the Asian Lawn Bowls Championship as unique.
The police officer aged 38, from Perak clinched the women’s singles title, remarkably for the 10th time, at the 12th edition of the championship held in New Delhi from Oct 4-9 after defeating Singaporean Shermeen Lim 2114.
She is making intensive preparations for her fifth participation in the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia in April after failing to advance in the group stages at the Glasgow edition three years ago.
“I did target to win for the 10th time but I was also not putting any pressure on myself. I played normally, except that after I won, I felt I had created history, as not everyone can achieve it,” she told Bernama.
Although her performance had remained consistent, it did not mean that she would rest on her laurels.
“I still need to overcome certain weaknesses and level up my performance. Our commonwealth opponents are not just formidable, they are world champions so we have to be fit in terms of game and mental preparation,” said the Commonwealth Games two-gold medallist.
She was met at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 upon arrival from New Delhi with the national squad which also emerged overall champions after winning five of the eight gold medals up for grabs, one silver, and two bronze medals.
Meanwhile, national coach Zuraidi Puteh attributed the team’s success to diligent training and commitment following the national lawn bowlers’ excellent performance in the SEA Games in August which saw them scooping seven of eight gold medals and one silver.
“Our next plan is to invite other countries such as Scotland, South Africa and Wales in holding a four-nation test series. After that we will provide critical fitness training in Brisbane for the athletes beginning Feb 19, as well as have friendly matches with other clubs there and Commonwealth Games participants.
“Among the countries expected to arrive early in Gold Coast are giants such as Scotland, New Zealand and England. The competition is really stiff but we hope our five male and five female athletes who will participate in eight disciplines could deliver at least one gold medal and some other medals,” he said.
Zuraidi also hoped two other national representatives, Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple and Emma Firyana Saroji, who would be competing in the World Singles Champion of Champions in New South Wales, Australia from Oct 30 till Nov 5 would bring home medals.
Meanwhile, Malaysia won the five gold medals in New Delhi through Mohammad Soufi Rusli (men’s singles); Siti Zalina, Hizlee Rais and Fairul Muin (men’s pairs); Siti Zalina and Auni Kamis (women’s pairs); and Nabilah Tarmizi, Kamis, Zuraini Khalid, Azalina Arshad (women’s fours). - Bernama