Junior Bowlers Push Veterans To The Brink For World Championship Slots

PETALING JAYA, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) is set to feature its strongest line-up, with several senior players possibly missing out on selection for the World Bowling Championship in Hong Kong from Nov 23 to Dec 6.

MTBC secretary-general Maradona Chok said the governing body is giving opportunities to existing backup players after they each displayed fierce competition in the race for a slot in the prestigious championship.

"This year we have a big squad. We have 23 elite bowlers and 20 junior bowlers. So the good thing about this year is we open the opportunity for everyone, which means the national back-up players can also fight for a place in the World Championship team.

"We are sending the best of the best. We already have the names, the coaches have finalised the recommendation to the Exco (Executive Committee). We are waiting for the Exco's endorsement," he told Bernama when met at the Opening Ceremony of the 22nd Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championship, which will be held from today until Aug 27 at Sunway Mega Lanes, Sunway Pyramid.

He said the MTBC will announce the list of 12 players (six men, six women) to answer the country’s challenge within a week.

"Actually, the fight is a bit of a surprise to us because the young ones have really, really given the team a good fight. So it’s good for us, it’s a good headache.

"I think going into the World Championship this year, it’s going to be a big surprise when the line-up is announced. We are going to miss a few of the bigger names but the quality of the performance, the quality of the athletes will be the same. We are going there to win," he said.

For the record, Malaysia’s participation in the 2023 edition in Kuwait saw the country return with one gold and one silver, courtesy of Natasha Mohamed Roslan and Sin Li Jane who faced each other in the women’s singles final.

-- BERNAMA