Off to a flying start

Aiman and Timmy grab 1-2 finish on opening day

KUALA LUMPUR: It was a glorious start for Malaysia at the Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Championships in South Africa as Muhd Nur Aiman Khairuddin (pic) and Timmy Tan powered their way to a 1-2 finish in the opening men’s singles event in Johannesburg.

The 28-year-old Aiman was in his element as he posted sizzling lines of 173-266-248-235-268-258 for a 1,448 total to pip Timmy to the title by a whopping 92 pins.

Timmy, who led the first four games, shot 269, 224, 224, 205, 200 and 234 for 1,356.

Akaash Kumar clinched the bronze for India with a score of 1,315.

“It’s a huge relief, I have not performed as well as today for a long, long time,” said Aiman, who last tasted success at the 2015 Kuala Lumpur Open.

“Today’s win reminds me of eight years ago when I was still a national team rookie and made my debut in the championships. I won the singles gold back then and now I did the same.

“It’s always good to start well in any competitions. With Timmy making it a 1-2 finish, I believe it has lifted the morale of the team. We are looking for a great campaign here this week,” added the two-time Malaysian Open champion.

Besides Aiman and Timmy, Malaysia are represented by Shalin Zulkifli and Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman in the women’s competition.