Bowler Siti recovers from health issue to be team’s lynchpin

SITI Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman (pic) almost gave up bowling due to her long battle with a health problem.

The 26-year-old, fondly known as Sofy, was at the peak of her career when she won the now-defunct World Ranking Masters in Italy in 2009.

Her progress was curtailed after she was diagnosed with a thyroid condition.

Despite enduuring a series of ups and downs over thehe last six years, Siti never lost heart.

Slowly, but surely, she has rediscovered her old form and has been one of the best-performing bowlers in the women’s team over the last year.

She captured the Indonesian Open crown last October and then bagged three golds at the Commonwealth Championships in South Africa a month later.

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

Now, she’s hoping for more glory when she makes her fourth SEA Games appearance at the Sunway Mega Lanes from Aug 20-26.

“I have come a long way,” said Siti. “Six years – that’s how long I struggled to get back to my very best.

“When I had my thyroid problem, my performance declined drastically. Not only did it weaken me, it also affected me emotionally. I did think of quitting the sport, but thankfully I didn’t.

“Thank goodness I’ve recovered and I’m really happy with my progress over the last 12 months. I’m looking forward to challenging for more honours at the KL Games.”

Siti has won three golds and one bronze in her three SEA Games appearances.

She helped Malaysia to the team gold in all her three previous appearances – at Manila 2005, Korat 2007 and Singapore 2015.

She won a doubles bronze with Shalin Zulkifli in Korat.