SINGAPORE — Ahead of last month’s Singapore Sports Awards, many people had expected national bowler Jazreel Tan to clinch the Sportswoman of the Year accolade after a 2014 season that saw her win one gold, two silver and a bronze at the Incheon Asian Games to become the Republic’s most bemedalled athlete at the event.

Instead, it was shooter Jasmine Ser who claimed the coveted award with her gold-medal exploits at last August’s Commonwealth Games, as well as a record-breaking performance in Incheon a month later.

But the disappointment of missing out has not slowed Tan down. The 25-year-old continued her rich form this year as she secured a third-place finish at the US Open in New Jersey yesterday morning.

Speaking to TODAY by phone, Tan, who secured US$14,500 (S$20,704.41) for her bronze medal effort, said: “We bowled against some of the best in the world in brutal lane conditions, so overall I’m happy with what I achieved. Of course, I’m a little disappointed that I couldn’t win it because I came pretty close.

“But it’s been a great opportunity for us to participate at this tournament, and we’ve all learnt a lot of valuable lessons this past week.

“My results this year so far have been pretty satisfying, so all I can do now is to work hard to put myself in the best position to get nominated for the (Sportswoman of the Year) award again next year.”

Up against some of the best American bowlers in the US Open stepladder final, Tan — the only amateur among the top five competitors — notched victories over three-time US Open champion Kelly Kulick (195-190) and American Danielle McEwan (172-165), but was eliminated in the semi-finals after falling 199-177 to defending champion Liz Johnson.

Johnson went on to retain her title as she beat Shannon O’Keefe 190-189 in the final to take home the US$50,000 winner’s cheque.

Tan’s third-place finish comes just two months after she picked up her first tour title at the Professional Women’s Bowling Association Lubbock Sports Open in July.

Singapore Bowling Federation president Jessie Phua was happy to see the progress that Tan has made on the bowling circuit: “She’s displayed of late, a commendable development in her mental strength. She’s displaying her consistency now, and is more battle-hardened than before.

“Her result at the US Open proves that she can now be considered one of the best in the world. Her performances bode better tidings for Singapore bowling and the future.”

Tan’s good run of results will certainly make a strong case for inclusion in the six-woman team that will represent Singapore at the World Bowling Championship for Women in Abu Dhabi in December.

Nine bowlers, including the likes of former Sportswoman of the Year Shayna Ng, Daphne Tan and Joey Yeo, are also gunning for spots on the team. They will get a chance to further prove their credentials at the 12th Euromed-Storm International Masters Challenge, which begins tomorrow in Manila.

Added Tan: “I hope to get selected for the World Championships. All these results put me in a good position, but I’ll have to keep myself healthy and not get any further injuries. I believe the six of us who get selected will do Singapore proud.”