THE strains of Majulah Singapura were heard for the first time at the Asian Youth Games (AYG) yesterday, when Singapore kegler New Hui Fen struck gold in the girls' singles event on the opening day of the bowling competition.

Hui Fen, 17, held off late challenges from Japan's Misaki Mukotani and Oh Nu Ri of South Korea at the Orchid Country Club to clinch the Republic's first gold medal at the inaugural Games.

The former Singapore Sports School student scored a combined total of 1,359 over six games to finish 45 pins ahead of second-placed Misaki. Nu Ri was third with 1,308 pinfalls. She said: 'I feel happy and honoured to have won the first gold for Singapore.'

Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said it was 'great news'.

He added: 'I just want all Singaporeans to come out and support Team Singapore. I really hope to have more people attending and giving support to the team. I'm sure that's what our players want most.'

After two days, the host nation is ranked eighth in the medal tally with one gold and two bronzes.

TERRENCE VOON