Young Guns Ready To Blaze The Lanes

BANGKOK, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- National bowling team head coach Halloway Cheah declared that his young guns - Adrian Ang, Mohd Shafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek and Zatil Iman Abdul Ghani will be ready to blaze the lanes when bowling events of the Korat SEA Games begin on Dec 8.

Coupled with the presence of the elite squad members - Alex Liew, Daniel Lim, Aaron Kong, Adrian Ang and Zulmazran Zulkifli in the men's and Shalin Zulkifli, Wendy Chai, Esther Cheah, Zandra Aziela Ibrahim Hakimi, Choy Poh Lai and Sharon Koh heading the women's charge, he reckons the four-gold target is within the strike range.

"I feel this is the strongest team assembled compared to years before and they are in high spirits as well as prepared for the task," said Cheah after wrapping up today's training session at the SF Strike Bowl here today.

"They are well equipped in terms of preparation as well as international exposure. Furthermore, they also have the positive mental attitude to deliver the goods."

Nevertheless, Cheah added that Indonesia and Singapore will provide stiff competition as both have been our traditional rivals in the sport.

Cheah said two trainees from the Gemilang 2006 back-up programme, Mohd Noer Said for the men, and Siti Safiyah Amirah Abd Rahman for the women, were also selected based on their performances of late.

Malaysia's best showing was at the Brunei SEA Games in 1999 when the keglers returned with seven gold, six silver and two bronze, while at the Manila Games in 2005, they managed three gold, three silver and three bronze medals.

"Our target here is to better the result of the Manila Games," he added.

Tenpin bowling will be held at the SF Strike Bowl from Dec 8 to 14.

-- BERNAMA