The PWBA Smithfield Tour Champion and PWBA Rookie of the Year as well as the silver medalist at the Bowling World Cup New Hui Fen was recognized for her efforts and was given the Bowler of the Year nod, the first time that she’s been given this award.
Cheah Ray Han, for being the youngest Singapore Nationals Men’s Champion and winning the Singapore National Youth Championship a week later received the Youth Bowler of the Year.
Shirine Dhillon, 54 years old, for her 24 years of service to SingaporeBowling, was recognized for Outstanding Contributions to the Sport of Tenpin Bowling. This is the third year that she has won the award and the last time that she would be eligible for this category.
Mrs Jessie Phua took to the stage and revealed her jubilation for the spectacular year SingaporeBowling had. She gave kudos to the younger bowlers who are starting to make their mark in the bowling world. Amabel Chua who took silver at the World Youth Bowling Championships, Tracy See, for her triumph at the Singapore National Championships and Ray Han’s exploits over the last year.
When quizzed on the men’s team with half of Doubles Gold winner Howard Saw resigning from the squad, Mrs Phua lamented, “Every time we have an athlete who is on the brink of breaking through, NS happens. And after two years, very few of them feel the same intensity and passion for the sport.” On the upcoming SEA Games, Mrs Phua commented, “I always tell the bowlers to train like they’re in competition and compete like they’re in training.”
Newly turned 17 Cheah Ray Han discussed his year that got him the Youth Bowler of the Year accolade and remarked that with O levels and regular training, he found it difficult but hopes that it would get him selected for the SEA Games squad. With his meteoric rise from a National Development squad member to a National Training squad member in a mere two years, Ray Han is indeed a young bowler to look out for.
New Hui Fen had only one thing to say about her hopes and dreams for the coming year. “I injured my knee really badly during the World Singles Championship and coming back to training after a month’s rest still made the injury flare up. I am trying to seek as many medical opinions as possible. Hopefully I will be fine enough to train soon in order to make the cut for the SEA Games selections.”