Sabah bowling duo key contributors to Malaysia’s golden feat in Doha game

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 14): Malaysia’s golden feat in the Girl’s Team event at the 14th International Friendship Youth Bowling Championship in Doha, Qatar, can be attributed to Sabah’s rising bowling talents, Natalie Chong Yi Wen and Nur Aleeya Syakirah.

The team of four, which also comprised Qurraitu’ain Izdihar and Intan Nor Edryana, contributed to the score of 5,311 pins to top the standing.

“The victory marked a proud moment for the national contingent, particularly for Sabah, which celebrates two of its own at the heart of the triumph.

“Congratulations and well done to Natalie and Aleeya, Sabah’s very own bowling talents,” Sabah Tenpin Bowling Association (PTBNS) president Rozzainny Sham Talip said in a WhatsApp text.

Natalie delivered a steady performance throughout the Doha finals, where she delivered the highest score, 1,361 pins, followed by Intan with 1,351 pins.

Nur Aleeya, meanwhile, recorded 1,322 pins, while Qurratu’ain added 1,277 pins.

The combined feat secured Malaysia a dominant finish.

The Philippines settled for the silver with 4,991 pins, followed by bronze medallists Czech Republic with 4,879 pins.

As of Friday, the Malaysian youth team have recorded two gold, one silver and three bronze medals in the championship, which concluded with the Stepladder final late today.

Qurratu’ain was the undisputed star of the national squad, having won her second gold in the Girl’s All-Event.

Apart from that, she also bagged two bronze medals in the Girl’s Singles, and in Doubles partnering with Intan.

The other medals were from the Boys Team (silver) and Boys Doubles (bronze).

Thirteen countries were represented at the Doha game: Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan, Peru, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, Czech Republic, Sweden, Scotland, Ireland, and host Qatar.