KUALA LUMPUR: The adage that defending a title is tougher than winning it will be put to the test as Adelia Nur Irwan Syazalee aims to secure back-to-back victories at the 24th Milo Storm U22 International Junior All Stars, scheduled for Dec 4-15.
Adelia will defend her Girls' Open crown at Sunway Mega Lanes in this prestigious regional tournament, which offers a prize pool of RM200,000.
The 17-year-old national youth team standout enters the competition with enhanced confidence, believing she's evolved as a player since her victory last year.
Her 2023 campaign has already been remarkable, contributing to Malaysia's team gold medals at both the World Youth Championships in July and the Asian Junior Championships in June.
"Winning the title last year was incredible, and I'm determined to defend it," Adelia said yesterday.
"While there's pressure, my experience over the years has taught me how to manage it. I'm a stronger bowler now, with improved stamina and confidence in my game."
If successful, Adelia would become only the second Malaysian after Victoria Chin (2013-2014) to claim consecutive titles in this event.
The tournament has drawn over 800 participants from 16 Asia Pacific countries, ensuring fierce competition for the RM18,000 top prize.
Among the contenders are Adelia's World Youth Championships teammates Nur Hazirah Ramli, Adania Redzwan, and Anis Hannani Romzi, who together secured Malaysia's first girls' team title since the championship's 1990 inception.
Strong contingents from Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines add to the competitive field.
Despite preparing for her upcoming SPM examination in January, Adelia remains focused. "Managing both bowling and studies has been seamless thanks to careful planning. Right now, my priority is the All-Stars," said the SMK Shah Alam student.
In the boys' division, which carries a RM25,000 top prize, national youth standouts Izz Naqiuddin Putera Islahuddin and Shaqeem Izwan Teh lead the Malaysian challenge.
Both have already proven their mettle by earning spots on the senior team that claimed overall victory at September's Asian Championships.
They're joined by 2021 champion Megat Zaqrul Haiqal in facing international talents like South Korea's World Youth Championships gold medalists Kim Seong Tak and Kim Bo Ah.
Adding to the stakes, the highest-placing Malaysian male competitor will win an all-expenses-paid training opportunity at the prestigious Kegel Training Centre in Florida, United States.
The tournament also features Under-12, Under-15, Graded, and Gen-Z Challenge (Under-25) categories for both boys and girls.