Perfect 10 the dream for bowlers

SINGAPORE — In a perfect world of perfect games, Team Singapore’s national bowlers would be standing at the top of the podium at the SEA Games, claiming a clean sweep of all 10 gold medals on offer at the Orchid Country Club (OCC).

That is the scenario national head coach Remy Ong is hoping for when the keglers take to the lanes from June 9 to 14.

While the Singapore Bowling Federation (SBF) was coy about the team’s targets for the Games, Ong has tipped his players to deliver the goods.

“For bowling, you can’t bowl anything more than 300 points, so we are preparing for the unexpected,” said the former world champion. “This is the time for us to conquer the lanes, whether it’s adjusting to the temperature (or other factors) so that when the situation arises, we know how to handle it. If you are prepared, you will not be scared of anything.”

“I am sure we will finish at the top. Our track record has been good so far and our women’s team is handling the pressure really well. Our men’s team did well at the Asian Youth Championships, and everyone is peaking at the right stage.”

Yesterday’s press conference saw the SBF unveil its final 12-strong SEA Games team, down from the initial squad of 16.

Ong, who employs unconventional methods such as training in darkness to prepare the team for all possible match scenarios, also makes sure each bowler keeps a handy “bible” of lane tips and information.

Next week’s training session will see them undergo a simulation of the Games’ competition at the OCC bowling centre.

Malaysia, with the likes of two-time Asian Games silver medallist Jane Sin Li, is expected to be Singapore’s biggest rival. At the 2011 SEA Games in Indonesia, the Malaysian keglers topped the five-nation medal table with five gold, three silver and six bronze medals, with Singapore second (3-2-2) and the Philippines third (1-4-1).

The core of Singapore’s women’s team have been together since 2008, and they are aiming for glory in the doubles, trios and team events. But Asian Games gold medallist (women’s team) Jazreel Tan is also looking to break her duck and win her first singles gold.

“The team is pretty confident, as we have been bowling together for a long time and know one another’s moves and how to play off one another,” said the 25-year-old.

The men’s team, which returned empty handed from the 2011 edition — the last time bowling featured at the SEA Games — will also be looking to build on their team gold medal success at the 18th Asian Youth Championships in March.

Said 2013 Commonwealth Championships silver medallist Jaris Goh Ali Akbar Goh: “It will take a while to get to the female team’s level, but we have trained together for three years and have made a lot of progress.”

S’pore’s bowlers at the SEA Games:

MEN’S TEAM: Jaris Goh Ali Akbar Goh, Justin Lim, Howard and Keith Saw, Javier Tan, Joel Tan.

WOMEN’S TEAM: Jazreel Tan, Cherie and Daphne Tan, Shayna Ng, New Hui Fen, Bernice Lim.