MICHIGAN: Malaysian bowlers have long been recognised as world-class, but dominating the fiercely competitive United States professional bowling scene is an unprecedented achievement.
Sin Li Jane, 32, from Ipoh, has shown that Malaysian bowlers can excel at the highest level when given the opportunity to compete full-time on the prestigious circuit.
In her remarkable first full season, Li Jane became the first Asian to clinch the Professional Women's Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour Player of the Year title, joining an elite group that includes legends Lisa Wagner and Wendy Macpherson.
Li Jane had secured the honour and received the trophy even before the season-ending Tour Championship stepladder finals at Thunderbowl Lanes in Michigan, which was broadcast nationwide on Tuesday.
Inspired by the recognition, Li Jane capped off the season brilliantly, claiming her fourth title to complement her earlier victories at the Bowlers Journal Rockford Open, Greater Nashville Classic, and the US Women's Open.
Seeded third, Li Jane needed just two wins for the championship.
She achieved this by defeating Missy Parkins 217-206 in the semi-final and then overcoming Jordan Richard 215-209 in the final match.
The victory was particularly meaningful as Li Jane's mother, Ho Chee Ling, and brother, Ken Mun — her staunchest supporters who regularly attend her tournaments in Malaysia — were present to witness her triumph.
"It means a lot to me to win this title in front of my mom and brother. They have been able to witness me win back home and travel with me a lot, giving me that moral support.
"I'm glad that they were here today. I'm thankful for them and my dad back home, as well as my Malaysian bowling supporters," Li Jane said, as quoted on the PWBA Tour official website.
Li Jane hopes her achievement as PWBA Tour No. 1 will encourage more international bowlers to participate in this world-renowned circuit.
While American players dominate the PWBA Tour, it also attracts competitors from Europe and Singapore.
"It's an incredible honour to be a part of that (Player of the Year) list. I'm glad that I made it happen, and I hope it inspires more international players to come bowl on the tour and compete, as well as have fun together."
Li Jane and Esther Cheah, both from the national women's elite team, took the initiative to compete professionally in the circuit from May to August.
Esther also found success in the second-tier Regional Tour, winning the Oklahoma Regional last month.
This year, the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) began allowing players to compete abroad, provided it does not interfere with major national team commitments.
Timmy Tan has also participated in the PBA Tour, the premier men's circuit in the United States.
In 2016 and 2017, when funding was more readily available, the MTBC sponsored brief US Tours stints for their players.
Notably, in 2017, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman became the first Malaysian PWBA Tour champion, edging out Li Jane for the Wichita Open title.
Li Jane soon followed with her maiden victory at the Lincoln Open that same year.
Li Jane finds greater satisfaction in her self-funded Tour success.
Her overwhelming success also translated into a very rewarding financial stint, yielding US$154,570 (RM684,000) from 11 starts over a period of four months.
"It's been a great journey to be on tour this season," Li Jane reflected.
"It means a lot to me because I came over by myself; I do everything on my own. I'm glad to have Esther with me for the whole season. I've proven to myself that I can do it.
"Previously, Shalin Zulkifli was the only other Malaysian to commit to a full-time US professional tour, competing in the PBA Tour's Women Series in 2008 and 2009.