Cherie Tan is first Singaporean bowler to be named ‘Athlete of the Year’ by international bowling association

SINGAPORE ­— National bowler Cherie Tan, 31, became the first Singaporean to be named the World Bowling Athlete of the Year for 2019 by the World Bowling association on Tuesday (Jan 14).

Out of 10 international athletes nominated, Tan was given the title after a public vote on World Bowling’s social media channels, namely Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

World Bowling is the international governing body for bowling, recognised by the International Olympic Committee since 1979.

Tan said that being awarded the title was “surprising” because she did not know that she had so many fans who would vote for her. She added that some of her fans had congratulated her on Facebook. 

She told TODAY: “2019 was one of the best years of my bowling career. I am happy with the results and glad that the hard work I put in for the last decade has paid off.” 

In a Facebook post, World Bowling said that it felt the Singaporean bowler deserved the title because she topped the Masters category at the World Bowling Women’s Championships in Las Vegas, United States on Aug 30 last year. 

She became the first Singaporean to win gold in the finals by beating top-ranked player Maria Rodriguez from Colombia 2-0, winning 203-201 in the first game and 258-217 in the second.

She also won the 2019 QubicaAMF Professional Women's Bowling Association Players Championship in Raleigh, North Carolina, US on Sept 8 last year.

Later on Dec 6, her team of four clinched the women’s team gold in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Manila, Philippines.

Mrs Jessie Phua, president of the Singapore Bowling Federation, said of Tan being voted by the online community as athlete of the year: “It’s an awesome recognition for one of our finest. Cherie is one of the most dedicated and hardworking athletes who has devoted so many years of her life to the sport.”

The SEA Games was particularly challenging for Tan because the pressure to win was high.

The last time her team won the women’s team gold was in 2011.

Tan said: “I would like to thank my family, the Singapore Bowling Federation and Sports SG for their belief in me and for allowing me to develop in the past decade.”

Her plan is to continue to hone her bowling skills this year.   

“I will work extremely hard to take it up a notch to remain competitive. Everyone is still improving and I do not want to be left behind.”