PETALING JAYA — National bowler Sin Li Jane fought back tears after winning the 2025 Malaysia Open women’s title today, dedicating her emotional victory to her late grandfather.
The 32-year-old held her nerve to defeat Singapore’s New Hui Fen 222–198 in the stepladder final at Sunway Mega Lanes, reclaiming the crown she last won in 2016.
But for Li Jane, this triumph was about far more than silverware.
Just last Monday, her grandfather Sin Gaga @ Sin Chee Heng passed away at the age of 92 — and she revealed that her win had fulfilled a promise she made to him before he died.
“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, visibly emotional after the match.
Facing Hui Fen — a long-time rival on the lanes — Li Jane kept her cool throughout the match, saying her strategy was to stay locked in on her technique.
“Hui Fen and I have been bowling against each other for quite some time now, and I know she is a very tough competitor,” she said.
“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.”
Li Jane’s victory earned her RM30,000 in prize money.
Malaysia’s Adelia Nur Irwan Syazalee, a national backup squad member, took third place with a solid 206 pinfalls.
In the men’s event, it was 15-year-old Ethan Damien Goh who stole the headlines after stunning defending champion Hafiz Zainuddin in the final.
The teen sensation delivered a composed performance, scoring 220 to Hafiz’s 180 — and clinched the RM50,000 winner’s purse in the process.
“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,” Ethan said after his breakthrough win.
Hafiz had earlier secured his spot in the final after overcoming Australia’s Luke Doyle 218–182 in the semi-finals, while Ethan had qualified directly after topping the earlier rounds. — April 20, 2025
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