Bowling a reliable source for medals

Bowling a reliable source for medals

3rd November, Singapore: Bowling has been a constant supplier of medals for the Singapore contingent in the Asian Games but it will be a big test for a relatively new team.

Except for Cherie Tan, all the other five national keglers in the women's team are first-timers which include Jasmine Yeong-Nathan, New Hui Fen, Jazreel Tan, Geraldine Ng and Shayna Ng. In the 2006 Doha Asian Games, Michelle Kwang and Valerie Teo sparked off wild celebrations when the duo bagged the first gold medal for Singapore in bowling nailing the Doubles title - the second event of the competition.

Although Singapore did not follow up on their superb start, Lee Yu-Wen, Jason Yeong-Nathan and Remy Ong did add a silver in the Men's Trios and the women took the bronze medal in the Team of Five.

Remy Ong almost gave the nation it's second gold but had to settle for the silver when the Singaporean lost the title match to Korea's Jo Nam-Yi in the Masters finals.

But national chief coach, Henry Tan is fully aware that past results mean nothing. It boils down to the competition day. The good news is that the team has prepared hard for the competition and, hopefully, everything will go Singapore's way in Guangzhou.   Five of the six women bound for Guangzhou would be making their Asiad debut. 2008 World Cup champion, Jasmine Yeong-Nathan has a large appetite for the big stage and the 21-year-old will certainly give her opponents a strong challenge.

The youngest member, New Hui Fen has the capacity to spring a few surprises and the 17-year-old will not be intimidated by her more experienced opponents. Her outstanding performances in the 2009 Asian Youth Games and the 2010 Asian Youth Championships speak volume in the depth of her game.

Jazreel Tan, after having competed against the boys in the Collegiate League in the United States, has earned her the 2010 Rookie of the Year and First Team All-American/BWAA Player of the Year Runnerup.

Geraldine Ng and Shayna Ng will complement the team well, The duo came off with flying colours in their first big test winning the bronze medal at the 2009 World Women's Championship in Las Vegas.

Cherie Tan, who is the only left-hander and the sole survivor of the team which won the Team of 5 bronze medal at the Doha Asian Games, will give her team-mates the much needed leadership.

Singapore also has four debutants in the men's team, namely Ng Tiac Pin, Benjamin Lim, Mark Wong and Basil Low while Jason Yeong-Nathan and Remy Ong will make their return to the games. SingaporeBowling will provide daily coverage on site from the Tianhe Sports Complex from November 11 through to 24.

Detailed information: Tentative Schedule. Photos by SingaporeBowling.