Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s bowler Nur Jeehan Iezzaty Suffian made it to the podium in the international stage for the first time at the 53rd Singapore International Open 2023 on Thursday.
The 18-year-old came third in the youth girls division after losing to Singapore’s Zoe Wang Szan Ying 147-196 in the semi-final.
She joined the national youth squad only in March and since then had performed well to qualify for the women’s open final at the Philippines Open and Malaysia Open.
National team manager Maradona Chok, who is also Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary general, was impressed with Nur Jeehan’s achievement in the competition against a very strong field.
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“She raised to the occasion when needed and this is also her first podium in the international bowling arena,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nur Jeehan was also delighted with her breakthrough.
“I feel happy and grateful to have finished third this time, having only managed to qualify for the finals without any medals at the recent Philippines Open and Malaysia Open.
“Thank you to MTBC, National Sports Council, Sabah Sports Council, Sabah Tenpin Bowling Association, my coaches, my parents as well as all my teammates for their continuous support,” she said.
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