Interstates first day medal standing

Medal standing after 4 events of opening day:

G S B

Johor 2 1 0

Kuala Lumpur 1 0 2

Penang 1 0 1

Negri Sembilan 0 1 0

Selangor 0 1 0

Terengganu 0 1 0

Sabah 0 0 1

SUPER ai-MAN struts his stuff

Southside Aiman on song to bag singles title

By Tony Mariadass

National bowler, southpaw Muhd Nur Iman from Johor continued his winning ways from his last local tournament when he bagged the Men singles gold medal in the Astro 25th Interstate Bowling championship at the Sunway Mega Lanes tonight.

Aiman’s last local tournament was the Pesta Penang International Open in December where he bagged the title after two earlier disappointments in the Milo Junior International All-Stars and the “the Masters” where he had finished third in the same m

onth.

“It is a great way to continue from where I left off in the local scene with a victory today,” said Aiman who pipped southpaw and fellow national bowler, Al

ex Liew from Selangor.

Aiman had a total of 1458 for a credible average of 243, while Alex was 78 pins behind to settle for the silver medal. Alex had also finished runners-up in the Penang Pesta. Another national bowler, Aaron Kong from Penang settled for the bronze medal with his total of 1359.

“I was comfortable today and everything went well for me. I just hope that I can continue to do well in the remaining two days,” said Aiman who had lines of 249, 230, 247, 238, 259 and 235.

“This is also my first singles gold medal in the Inter-state and I hope to finish this tournament on a high note, although I know the challenge is going to be tough.”

Siti Shazwani finally earns a medal

Siti Shazwani Ahmad Suhaimi has finally won a medal in Interstates Championships, but she thought she could have done better.

The Johorean lass was actually leading until the fifth game, only to let Esther knocked her off from pole positon.

Siti had lines of 212-230-230-220-181-226 for a total 1,299 pinfall, losing to Esther (1,344) by 35 pins.

"My fifth game was a big let down, otherwise it could have been a gold. Never mind, still a good start afterall," said the 25-year-old who captured the Milo All Stars title in 2010.

2nd best...Siti (left) with Esther and Sharon

Well at least, she fared so much better compare to last year where she ended the campaign empty handed.

She was placed 24th in singles, came back strongly in another two events - doubles and team - but missed out bronze medal as she only managed 4th position for both.

Esther Cheah rocks...

Esther gave Penang the first gold! As I mentioned in my previous post, her return is vital for Penang to challenge for honours this year.

Good job to Siti Shazwani (Johor) too, and Sharon Koh (WP Kuala Lumpur, needless to say how good she is...

Here's the full results:

Can the Sarawak repeat it again?

Jacqueline aware it will not be easy for Sarawak to defend their crown

PETALING JAYA: Winning a title is easier than defending it and Sarawak know it all too well.

They are aware of the tough task facing them in the 25th Inter-State Bowling Championships starting at the Sunway Megalanes in Sunway Pyramid today.

Sarawak were crowned overall champions last year with a medal haul of 4-2-1, edging out powerhouse Selangor (4-1-5).

But Sarawak ace Jacqueline Jenelee Sijore is confident she can repeat her three-gold medal (singles, doubles and team) performance from last year.

Standing together: Dayang Khairuniza will be Jacqueline Jenelee Sijore’s (below) team-mate in the Inter-State Bowling Championships which start today at the Sunway Megalanes at Sunway Pyramid.

“Of course expectations will be high on us to retain the overall title. But I think a little bit of pressure will do us good,” said Jacqueline, who enjoyed a fruitful year by also winning the singles gold at the Women’s World Championships.

Jacqueline will have national team-mate Dayang Khairuniza Dhiyana Abang Jamalidon and newly-promoted juniors Nurafidza Amran and Nadine Kong for company in the women’s team.

“But don’t write off Selangor yet. They always boast a strong team,” said Jacqueline.

Selangor will be boosted by the return of Shalin Zulkifli, who skipped the meet last year as she was pregnant. The others in the Selangor team are natinoal bowlers Zatil Iman Abdul Ghani, Siti Safiyah AmirahAbdul Rahman and Zandra Aziela Ibrahim Hakimi.

Selangor’s men’s team will also be a force to be reckoned with, boasting the likes of Zulmazran Zulkifli, Alex Liew, Mohd Amirul Afif Mohd Nasir and former national bowler Azidi Ameran.

Sarawak team manager Robert Lu said they are aware of the threat posed by Selangor.

“Last year, we didn’t expect to win four gold medals, let alone win the overall title by a single silver medal,” he said.

“Although our women contributed a lot to the victory, I believe we can put up a good fight across the board this year as we have a competitive team in the boys’ department as well.”

Bong Kihow, Daniel Tan, Christopher Tiong and Muhd Syafiq Sajeli make up Sarawak’s boys’ team.

Christopher and Syafiq combined to bag the doubles silver medal behind Selangor last year.

The two teams had better not discount the challenge posed by darkhorses Penang, who finished third last year.

Penang will have national bowlers Adrian Ang and Aaron Kong leading their men’s team. Adrian, who won four gold medals in the Indonesia SEA Games last year, could spring some surprises in the competition, which starts with the singles event for all categories today. - By Shamshul Fitri of The Star

We will rock St. Maximin again!

Adrian Ang was 2nd in 2010, Syafiq Ridhwan finished 3rd last year, perhaps champion this year?

BOWLING: Keglers to use national meet as warm-up

THE national elite bowlers will use the National Inter-State Championships, which begins today, as a warm-up for next week's Brunswick Euro Challenge in Saint Maximin, France.

National coach Holloway Cheah wants those picked for the Euro Challenge, the seventh stop of the World Tour, to at least win individual titles at the national event.

Asian Games champion Alex Liew leads the six-man squad comprising Adrian Ang, Aaron Kong, Zulmazran Zulkifli, Muhd Nur Aiman and last year's third best finisher Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek.

Esther Cheah will officially return to competition from a four-month injury absence at the Euro Challenge and making up the women's squad are Zandra Aziela Ibrahim Hakimi, Shalin Zulkifli, Jacqueline Jenelee Sijore, Dayang Khairuniza, Sharon Koh, Sin Li Jane and Siti Safiyah Abdul Rahman.

"I expect them to win the singles and Masters competitions at the National Championships as they are familiar with lane conditions," said Holloway yesterday.

"It will put them in a good stead for the Euro Challenge, where the world's best will be aiming for honours."

The Inter-State event was officially opened by Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek at the Pyramid Megalanes in Bandar Sunway yesterday.

The event will also give Holloway an opportunity to gauge the form of the remaining members of the elite squad who were not picked for the Euro Challenge.

Those excluded are Isaac Russel Paul, Zatil Iman Abdul Ghani, Syaidatul Afifah, Siti Shazwani Ahmad Suhaimi while Hee Kar Yen and Wendy Chai are both competing in the ABF Tour Tournament b Championships which starts today in Kuwait.

"Only the best will be selected for priority competitions. Those excluded must impress me in the national event or they will not compete overseas," Holloway added.

The national event gets underway with the men's and women's singles competitions today. By Ajitpal Singh of NST

Kudos MTBC!!

MTBC SHOWERED WITH ACCOLADES BY SPORTS MINISTER

Reported by Tony Mariadass

The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress were grinning from ear to ear after they were showered with accolades by Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, the Minister of Youth and Sports in his opening address at the Astro 36th Malaysian National and 25th Interstate Bowling championship at the Sunway Mega Lanes last night.

Ahmad Shabery said that MTBC who recently were awarded the Most Dynamic Association by the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM), were deserving winners of the award and he endorsed the award fully.

“MTBC have proven record of good administration, good leadership under Datuk P.S. Nathan and his team of officials, have never failed to produce results to do the nation proud and above all have been consistent,” said Ahmad Shabery in his opening address.



“Without doubt MTBC have done Malaysian sports proud and their achievements at the Sea Games, Commonwealth Games and championship, Asian Games and World championships underlines their supremacy.“

Unlike most sports who have tremendous support from the Government in terms of facilities and funding, tenpin bowling most of the time have to fan for themselves, but have still done well to emerge as excellence sport in the country.“

Unlike most sports that have facilities like stadiums, running tracks, artificial pitches, courts, swimming pools and any infrastructure required for their sports, the sport of bowling does not have the luxury as they have to compete in private facilities.”

Ahmad Shabery said that bowling is an expensive sports and parents, states and national body have to spend a lot of money and it is their commitment and dedication that has seen the sport has reached this high level of excellence.This was responded with a thunderous applause from the teams.

“Organising national, state or even domestic competitions is not an easy feat as compared to other sports who have facilities provided for by the government.“I salute the leaders of the national, state, parents and all the sponsors who have made what the game is today.“The sport of bowling is a perfect example of what Sports Industry is all about and they have indeed done well with minimum funding from the government.“

However while the government acknowledges the achievements of the sport by standing on their own feet most of the time, the Government will continue to support them in whatever way we can for them to continue to grow.

“I strongly believe that tenpin bowling will continue to be a top sports in the country because there is great development programmes in place which continuously produces new talent besides being a community sport.“With a wide base, it is little wonder they continue to produce champions year in and year out.“However, whatever has been achieved did not come easy but the hard, determined and committed work of the entire bowling fraternity. Kudos and Shabas to all.”

25th Interstate Bowling Championship kicks off today!

Preview:

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Men:

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It will be five horse race between Selangor, Penang, Johor, WP Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak.

No Daniel Lim and Zaid Izlan for Selangor, replace by the experienced Azidi Ameran and young Amirul Alif...but still look too strong with Alex Liew and Zulmazran Zulkifli around.

Khoo Beng Khai sudden death has shocked the national bowling fraternity last year. A very talented bowler - already a bowling superstar in Penang at U-12 level and it was only matter of time before he is to be called up to the Elite squad,. A big hole to be filled by his former long time arch rival during MSSPP meets, Jason Yam. Adrian Ang and Aaron Kong to spearhead the gold medal assault.

Johor will boast the fantastic combination of Malaysian Open Champion, Muhd. Nur Aiman and defending National Champion, Kang Bo Long.

Men's Elite squad two new faces, Aris Ardila Santosoh and Issac Rusell Paul can make the difference for Sarawak men's team.

WP Kuala Lumpur are banking on Syafiq Ridhwan and Yusuf Abdul Raof to deliver.

Women:

---------

It is interesting to see how the star-studded Selangor fare this year as Shalin Zulkifli and Siti Safiyah are back to strengthen the women's team. Without the duo, they only managed bronze in team event last year.

Don't think Jacqueline Sijore and Dayang Khairuniza Dhiyana (DKD) will clean sweep all four golds at stake again, but both of them are capable of springing surprise again

It is very unfortunate for last year team event silver medalists, WP Kuala Lumpur to be without Wendy Chai and Hee Kar Yen as both of them are currently competing at Tournament of Champions 2011 in Kuwait. They still have Sharon Koh back though.

2005 Aalborg world singles champion, Esther Cheah returns for Penang, who finished 13th (2nd last spot) in last year team event. They may not be strong for team event, but Esther can make the difference in singles and perhaps, doubles.

Expect strong challenge from Perak with Sin Li Jane and newly promoted Elite squad member, Syaidatul Afifah. The pair won silver in doubles last year.

SUBANG JAYA - Kejohanan Boling Antara Negeri ke-25 yang membuka tirai hari ini di Sunway Megalanes bakal menyaksikan sama ada Sarawak yang mencipta kejutan bergelar juara keseluruhan edisi tahun lalu, mampu mempertahankan kejuaraan itu atau tidak.

Sarawak yang selama ini bukan merupakan kuasa besar boling kebangsaan, tiba-tiba bertukar mantap berikutan kemunculan pasangan pemain wanitanya, Jacqueline Jenelee Sijore dan Dayang Khairuniza Dhiyana Abang Jamalidon.

Mereka berdua yang merupakan 'rookie'' skuad elit ketika itu, garang menyapu bersih kesemua empat kategori yang dipertandingkan dalam acara wanita, iaitu perseorangan, beregu, berpasukan dan All-Event.

Empat emas sumbangan Jacqueline dan Dayang itu cukup meletakkan negeri Bumi Kenyalang unggul di tangga teratas carta kutipan pingat dengan 4-2-1, menewaskan dua negeri pilihan Selangor (4-1-5) dan Pulau Pinang (3-1-2).

Juara perseorangan dunia, Jacqueline yang ditemui pada upacara pembukaan semalam berkata, dia berharap dapat mengulangi pencapaian tahun lalu.

Bagaimanapun, dia memberitahu bahawa pasukannya akan sekali lagi bergelar sebagai underdog kepada Selangor yang tampil dengan skuad lebih kuat, terutamanya wanita yang terdiri daripada bintang-bintang skuad elit dianggotai Shalin Zulkifli, Zandra Aziela Ibrahim Hakimi, Zatil Iman Abdul Ghani dan Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman.

"Tahun lalu memang tidak dijangka sama sekali. Saya dan Dayang berada pada kemuncak prestasi, dan sama ada dapat kami ulanginya tahun ini, kita akan lihat nanti.

"Namun Selangor memang kuat dengan kepulangan Shalin dan Siti Safiyah, mereka adalah favourite utama dan kami, seperti lain-lain pasukan adalah underdog," katanya yang merangkul tiga emas setelah terlepas pingat emas keempat kepada rakan sepasukan, Dayang dalam All-Event.

Juara dunia 2005, Esther Cheah tahun lalu tidak beraksi kerana melanjutkan pengajian di Amerika Syarikat, kembali memperkuatkan skuad wanita Pulau Pinang. Pasukan lain yang juga mampu mencabar Selangor ialah Perak yang dibintangi Sin Li Jane dan Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi.

Sementara itu, saingan lelaki bakal menyaksikan pertarungan sengit antara Selangor,Pulau Pinang dan Johor yang dibarisi rata-ratanya sama ada anggota atau bekas anggota skuad elit serta pemain remaja kebangsaan.

Selangor menampilkan Alex Liew, Zulmazran Zulkifli, Azidi Ameran dan Mohd. Amirul Afif, manakala Pulau Pinang juga sama mantap dengan kehadiran pemenang empat pingat emas Sukan SEA, Adrian Ang, Aaron Kong, Adrian Charles Dragon dan Jason Yam.

Cabaran yang hadir daripada Johor juga tidak boleh dipandang remeh kerana memiliki kombinasi juara Terbuka Malaysia, Muhd. Nur Aiman dan juara kebangsaan, Kang Bo Long, begitu juga dengan Kuala Lumpur dianggotai Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek dan Yusuf Abdul Raof.

Selain kekuatan skuad wanita, Sarawak juga boleh mengharapkan kekuatan skuad lelakinya yang terdiri daripada dua muka baru skuad elit lelaki, Issac Russel Paul dan Aris Ardila Santosoh serta juara remaja Terbuka Hong Kong, Chong Jun Foo.

Kejohanan bermula hari ini dengan acara perseorangan diikuti beregu dan berpasukan, esok dan lusa.

Syaidatul Afifah is raring to go!

Syaidatul Afifah the rising star of Malaysian bowling, she did really well for past two years in National Youth and her effort was paid off when she earned a spot in National Elite team.

Is she the new Zandra Aziela? Well, she certainly has the look but performance wise we must wait and see. Any one interested to catch her in action, you may do so as she will be playing in this week 36th Malaysian National and 25th Interstate Bowling Championship at the Sunway Megalanes.

Hope she will have an impressive start.

KUALA LUMPUR - Kecemerlangan yang dipamerkan pemain boling wanita, Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi di peringkat remaja sepanjang dua tahun lalu telah meraih pengiktirafan setimpalnya apabila dia diserap ke dalam skuad elit tahun ini.

Syaidatul, 21, yang sejak zaman kanak-kanak lagi memuja idolanya, Shalin Zulkifli, kini berpeluang menjadi rakan sepasukan ratu boling kebangsaan itu.

Shalin yang menyepi sepanjang tahun lalu selepas bergelar ibu, juga antara 12 pemain wanita yang dipanggil Kongres Tenpin Boling Malaysia (MTBC) menganggotai skuad mantap bimbingan Holloway Cheah.

Esther Cheah, Sharon Koh, Zandra Aziela Ibrahim Hakimi, Zatil Iman Abdul Ghani, Siti Safiyah Abdul Amirah Abdul Rahman, Jacqueline Jenelee Sijore, Sin Li Jane, Dayang Khairuniza Dhiyana Abang Jamalidon, Siti Shazwani Ahmad Suhaimi dan Hee Kar Yen melengkapkan senarai yang diumumkan MTBC minggu lalu.

Bagi Syaidatul, ia adalah bagaikan mimpi menjadi kenyataan kerana tidak sama sekali menjangka mendapat tempat dalam skuad yang dipenuhi sekumpulan pemain berpengalaman dan berkaliber.

"Memang saya ada mengharap untuk dipanggil, tetapi tak sangka boleh dapat tahun ini. Saya adalah satu-satunya muka baru dalam pasukan. Saya sedang cuba membiasakan diri dengan persekitaran baru.

"Banyak yang saya kena belajar mulai sekarang, dapat menganggotai skuad elit tidak bermakna saya sudah bagus. Jika hambar, saya mungkin disingkir tahun depan, langsung tiada ruang untuk leka," kata gadis kelahiran Perak itu merendah diri.

Karier Syaidatul sebagai pemain kebangsaan bermula pada 2010 apabila diserap masuk ke dalam skuad remaja dan ternyata dia sememangnya pemain yang cukup berpotensi.

Ini dibuktikan dengan kejayaannya merangkul beberapa gelaran tempatan dan antarabangsa.

Tahun lalu sahaja, dia menjulang kejuaraan kategori remaja wanita di Terbuka Singapura, Terbuka Taiwan, Terbuka Kuala Lumpur dan paling manis mengekalkan gelaran Pesta Pulau Pinang.

Angka itu sepatutnya menjadi lima jika dia tidak tewas kepada Dayang pada final Kejohanan Milo All-Stars.

Syaidatul bagaimanapun mengakui, peralihan dari remaja ke senior tidak semudah yang disangka.

"Jurulatih kini sedang membuat banyak penyelarasan teknikal bagi memantapkan lagi hayunan saya. Saya perlu mempertingkatkan stamina dan kecergasan kerana daya ketahanan adalah aspek penting bersaing di peringkat senior.

"Selain itu, saya juga sedang mengasah ketepatan mengenai 'poket' yang menjadi kelemahan saya selama ini. Saya fikir segala usaha akan mengambil satu tempoh masa, saya tidak mahu terburu-buru," jelasnya.

Syaidatul akan turun mewakili negerinya dalam Kejohanan Kebangsaan ke-36 dan Kejohanan Antara Negeri ke-25 yang berlangsung sepanjang seminggu di Sunway Megalanes, Sunway Pyramid di Subang Jaya bermula hari ini.