Singles double by Singapore at Asian Junior Tenpin Bowling Championships

SINGAPORE – When national development squad bowler Mark Leong made his maiden appearance at the Asian Junior Tenpin Bowling Championships in Singapore in August 2023, he was a bundle of nerves as it was his first major competition. He went on to finish 67th in the boys’ singles.

Ten months later, with more experience under his belt, the 18-year-old claimed the title at Sunway Mega Lanes in Petaling Jaya in his second outing.

The Singapore Sports School student knocked down a total of 1,321 pinfalls over six games, edging out Macau’s Chan Chun Lok (1,311) and Malaysian Ethan Goh (1,308) to the gold on June 18.

Leong, who also helped guide several less experienced teammates at the tournament, said: “I felt much different than in previous competitions.

“I knew the procedures leading to the championships and what to expect during the tournament.

“With last year’s experience, I was quick to help my teammates to adapt and guide them along.”

There was more joy for Singapore, with Nura Salsabila Zulkifli and Ella Tan claiming the girls’ singles gold and silver medals respectively.

Nura struck gold with 1,395 pinfalls, 73 pins ahead of Ella, with Malaysian Qurratu’ain Izdihar Pozi (1,274) taking the bronze.

While Leong felt much calmer than he did at the 2023 edition, he admitted to feeling anxious as it was his last outing at the Asian Junior championships, an Under-18 event.

“Winning the gold medal for Singapore meant everything to me as I dreamt of representing Singapore when I was a kid,” he said.

“I matched up well to the lanes today and learnt a lot for the next few days of competition.”

Also putting the experience she has gained to good use was Nura, who won the girls’ team gold and finished 30th in the girls’ singles at the last edition.

She said: “I learnt a lot last year and I figured that I should apply what I’ve learnt into this year’s Asian Juniors, such as relaxation techniques during my mental training sessions.

“I applied it to my game today and also helped my teammates by reminding them to drink water throughout.”

Thanking her coaches and teammates for their support, the Singapore Sports School student said: “It means the world to me to win a gold medal for Singapore.

“I’m happy because all the hard work, effort, blood, sweat and tears training for this competition have finally paid off.”

Ella, 17, who was making her debut at this level, was pleased with her performance at the event, especially in handling the intense competition from foreign bowlers and adjusting quickly to the lane conditions.

The Year 6 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) student said: “It’s a long way to go but I’m happy and proud of the team performance thus far at the Asian Junior championships.

“The fighting spirit within the team played a huge role in my performance today, as my teammates and I made sure to maintain a high energy level and keep cheering each other on, even after bad shots.”

Singapore’s other boys’ singles bowlers were Joshua Soo (eighth), Aviel Chua (ninth), Titus Tan (13th), Ian Tay (25th), Rayden Lim (28th), Jayden Too (31st) and Wilfred Er (43rd).

Meanwhile, Ashley Lok (11th), Hazel Tan (13th), Ashley Thia (18th), Jean Neo (24th), Isabelle Wee (25th) and Tan Rui Lin (39th) competed in the girls’ singles in Malaysia.