Malaysia, Singapore, RP tipped in bowling

Malaysia, Singapore, RP tipped in bowling

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): World-class bowlers from Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore are tipped to rule the lanes in the 21st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games when the bowling competition unfolds Monday.

Defending overall champion Malaysia, which won seven gold medals in the 1999 SEA Games in Brunei, is facing tough challenge from the Philippines and Singapore which boast of their own killer keglers.

Malaysian national team manager Cheah Ban Cheng said he feared the Philippines most and expects a "very close" competition, where 12 gold medals are at stake.

"They (the Philippines) have good bowlers while Singapore also have a formidable team. We will not overlook the keglers from Thailand. They have many young bowlers in the team," he told the state-run news agency Bernama.

"Our preparations have been good and hopefully, the bowlers will deliver," he said.

Malaysia is banking on national bowling queen Shalin Zulkifli will, while Singapore will unleash 2001 World Masters winner Jesmine Ho.

The Philippines has a formidable array of women frontliners such as defending singles champion Arianne Valdez, Malaysian Open champion Cecilia Yap and Penang Pesta Masters champion Liza Del Rosario.

The Filipino men's team is equally talented with reigning World Masters champion Chester King of the Philippines expected in a head-on clash with Singapore's Andrew Fang.

Singapore's American coach Ron Hoppe said: "They are a strong team. If they can perform at their best, they can win. Malaysia, perhaps, have the greatest depth and they also have home advantage."