KUCHING: Negri Sembilan bowlers clinched their first Malaysia Games (Sukma) bowling gold medal in 14 years by winning the men's trios event by just 15 pins at Sarawak Megalanes in Batu Kawa here today.
The trio of Izz Naqiuddin Islahuddin, Carl Zharfan Redzuan, and Azraei Najmi Azizan recorded a combined total of 3,726 pinfalls.
Penang's Megat Zaqrul Haiqal Megat Zairudin, Aqil Faizal and Hariz Adlan Azman posted 3,711 pinfalls to secure the silver medal while Perak's Ammar Isyraf Qhairul Nizzam, Zi Jun Wooi and Yew Jin Chong took the bronze with 3,681.
Negri last won a bowling gold at the 2010 Melaka Games in the mixed doubles event.
"It was unexpected, but we are proud of this achievement. We worked hard and stayed focused during the event," said Izz Naqiuddin, a national backup squad member.
Carl Zharfan, 19, who was born in Johor, made the decision to represent Negri Sembilan eight years ago, a choice he now considers the right one.
"Eight years ago, I switched from Johor to Negri, and it turned out to be the right decision," said Carl Zharfan.
In the women's trio, Sarawak's Nur Hazirah Ramli, Livinia Kho and Asya Dania Azree topped the event with a 3,591 total.
Selangor's Nur Irdina Batrisyia Mat Aris, Nur Nais Falilnesa Isman and Afiqah Kamilia Ali finished second after registering 3,494 pinfalls, while Kedah's Nur Anis Anisya Zaffli, Farissa Najihah Yousmera and Nurul Anis Nabila Nizam took bronze with 3,459.