PETALING JAYA, April 20 (Bernama) -- National bowler Sin Li Jane couldn’t hold back her tears after clinching the 2025 Malaysia Open title by defeating Singapore’s New Hui Fen in the women’s stepladder final today.
Li Jane said the second Malaysia Open (2016) title she won today meant more than just being a champion — it was about fulfilling a promise to her late grandfather, Sin Gaga @ Sin Chee Heng, who passed away at the age of 92 last Monday due to old age.
“Before I returned from Ipoh, I promised him I would do my best in the Malaysia Open. He was my pillar of support since I was young — he was my source of strength.
“He’s gone now, but I told myself I would win this for him, and I did,” she told reporters after the final women’s stepladder match today.
In the final against Hui Fen, the 32-year-old bowler recorded a total pinfall of 222 to beat the Singaporean’s 198.
Backup squad member Adelia Nur Irwan Syazalee finished third with 206 pinfalls at Sunway Mega Lanes here.
Commenting on the final, Li Jane said Hui Fen is a familiar opponent, and she knew it would be a tough challenge to defeat her.
“Hui Fen and I have been bowling against each other for quite some time now, and I know she is a very tough competitor.
“So for me, it was important to focus on repeating my shots rather than thinking about the outcome. My main focus was just to hit my target, and whatever pins were left, I just took them down,” she said.
Meanwhile, in the men's events, national backup bowler Ethan Damien Goh created an upset when he defeated compatriot and defending champion, Hafiz Zainuddin.
The 15-year-old bowler recorded a total pinfall of 220 to beat Hafiz’s 180.
Earlier Hafiz advanced to the stepladder final after defeating Australia’s Luke Doyle 218–182 in the semi-final today while Ethan secured his spot in the final after finishing top in the qualifying round.
“This win is unexpected, but it was a fine run for me. I could not have done it without my family, coaches and the people who have supported me,” he said.
The victory saw Ethan take home RM50,000 in cash, while Li Jane walked away with RM30,000.
-- BERNAMA
