KUWAIT: Malaysia's Shalin Zulkifli snatched the first gold medal of the 25th Asian Ten Pin Bowling Championships 2019 being held in Kuwait under the patronage of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, as she ended first in the women's individual category.

Shalin Zulkifli collected 1,498 points, ahead of Indonesia's Nadia Pramanik who took the silver medal with 1,492 points while Malaysia's Sin li Jane was satisfied with the bronze medal collecting 1,471 points.
The first competition of the championship with the participation of 228 players representing 27 countries was very strong and competitive as the scores show.

Meanwhile, medals will continue to be awarded through the men's individuals and the women's doubles to be held today in the fourth day of competition. The men's individuals will start at 9:10 am and will conclude at 12:40 pm. The women's doubles will start at 2:20 pm, and will conclude at 5:50 pm.

The first round which was held yesterday saw five Kuwaiti men: Khaled Al-Dubayyan, Basel Al-Enezi, Aseel Al-Roumi and Mustafa Al-Mousawi, who competed hard with the Malaysians, south Koreans and Japanese. It is known that Malaysia's Timmy Tan won the men's individual's gold in the previous championship which was held in Hong Kong 2016, followed by Thailand's Annop Arrcmsaranon and Hong Kong's Michael Mak.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Public Authority for Sport Asad Taqi lauded the opening ceremony of the championship and stressed that the outstanding organization and the large continental gathering shows high professionalism said President of International and Asian Bowling Federations, Chairman of Kuwait Bowling Club Sheikh Talal Al-Mohammad and board members. Taqi said "the opening ceremony presented our country in the best way for the continent of Asia, and such championships will remain in the memory for years to come, as he wished success to those all involved.

Qatar's Bowling Federation President Abdelsalam Abdallah said his federation is participating with six players in the men's category as it is being held in Kuwait, although the best players are away because they are busy with their university studies.

Abdallah said the chances of Gulf players are good despite the presence of world champions from South Korea, Japan and others, but we saw some Gulf players on the awarding podiums in previous championships.
Saudi players Mohammad bin Sultan Al Saud said he as well as the rest of Saudi squad are proud to participate in the event being held in Kuwait, and lauded the organization, hospitality and reception by the higher organizing committee.

By Abdellatif Sharaa