KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia may have missed out on the women's team title by a whisker, but it did not stop them from clinching the overall title with two events to spare at the Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships (ATBC) after Sin Li Jane delivered the sixth gold in the women's All-Events.
Li Jane, Gillian Lim, Faten Najihah Ahmad Faik, Nora Lyana Nastasia Norkamal and Natasha Roslan led the penultimate stage, but it was South Korea who had the last laugh at the Blu-O Rhythm and Bowl in Bangkok on Monday.
South Korea, led by veterans Baek Seung Ja and Jung Da Wun, powered to their fifth title in as many editions after chalking up an impressive 6,100 pinfalls, finishing just 17 pins ahead of Malaysia (6,083).
Japan came in third with a 5,988 total, while first-block leaders Singapore slipped to fourth after struggling to post 5,847.
The defeat for Malaysia meant women's team glory continued to elude them after they last won in 2002.
But it was swiftly made up by Li Jane's individual brilliance, as her total score of 5,152 across four events - singles, doubles, trios and team - was the highest among 83 competitors.
The PWBA Tour Player of the Year beat Daphne Tan of Singapore (5,104) and Yuri Sato of Japan (5,054) to the pole position.
A joyful Li Jane believes she's well rewarded with continuous success, thanks to the best form of her life, and was quick to pay a heartfelt tribute to former MTBC president Datuk Dr. P.S. Nathan, who passed away on Sunday.
"While we're a little disappointed (to miss out on the gold), but I'm happy that we've fought hard for the team silver. Compared to the last ATBC, we didn't medal at all," said Li Jane, who also won the women's doubles gold with Natasha.
"As for the All-Events gold, it means a lot because this is the first time winning the event.
"I've been performing really well of late and probably having the best ever run of my career too. I would like to dedicate this win to Dr Nathan.
"He had been a good mentor. He told me as long as I play good bowling, I can do wonders. He had always supported me throughout my career.
"I will always remember and be thankful to Dr Nathan for giving me this opportunity to shine."
Li Jane's all-important title took Malaysia's overall tally to 13 medals, comprising six gold, five silver and two bronze, giving them an unassailable advantage over second-place Singapore (3-1-0) and third-place South Korea (1-3-4).
The medal haul surpassed the previous best of 6-1-4 achieved during the 2019 edition in Kuwait, where Malaysia were crowned the overall champions.
Malaysia can still improve on the current haul with two more events - men's and women's Masters - contested over the next two days.