KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian bowling stars Rafiq Ismail and Sin Li Jane have cemented their legacy by claiming the top spots in Asia for 2024.
Rafiq maintained his reign as men's No. 1 for the fourth consecutive year while Li Jane reclaimed the women's crown she last held in 2019 – her third overall.
The rankings, determined by the Asian Bowling Federation, reflect individual performances across various Open tournaments with the Asian Championships in Bangkok carrying the highest points.
Rafiq dominated the Asian Championships, securing three individual golds in singles, all-events, and Masters, while Li Jane won both the all-events and Masters.
Malaysian bowlers remarkably dominated the continental rankings.
In the men's division, Malaysia Open champion Hafiz Zainuddin, Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek and Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam took second, third, and fifth positions respectively.
The women's rankings similarly showcased Malaysia's depth in talent, with Malaysia Open champion Gillian Lim, Nora Lyana Nastasia Norkamal and Natasha Roslan placing third, fourth and fifth respectively.
"It's been an exceptional year not just for me, but for Team Malaysia as a whole," said Rafiq.
"With Li Jane topping the women's rankings and our overall dominance in the standings, we've truly showcased Malaysia's bowling's strength."
Looking ahead to next year, Rafiq aims to secure his second World Championships title in Hong Kong in November, seven years after his breakthrough singles victory in 2018.
"We have depth in our men's squad – I'm ready to become world champion again, regardless of what event," he said.
For Li Jane, the Asian No. 1 crowning capped a remarkable year, highlighted by her historic achievement as PWBA Player of the Year after claiming four titles on the US tour, including two majors – the US Women's Open and Tour Championship.
With a team gold from the 2017 World Championships in Las Vegas under her belt, she now sets her sights on claiming her first individual world title.
"I'm feeling blessed to have a real good 2024, from winning the US Open, Tour Championship, PWBA Player of the Year, Asian Championships' double gold and now Asian No. 1," reflected Li Jane.
"I'm all ready to conquer the world next."
ASIA RANKINGS
(Top 10)
Men: 1. Rafiq Ismail (Mas), 2. Hafiz Zainuddin (Mas), 3. Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek (Mas), 4. Nu'man Syahmi (Sin), 5. Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam (Mas), 6. Park Dong Hyuk (Kor), 7. Darren Ong (Sin), 8. Izz Naqiuddin Putera Islahuddi (Mas), 9. Jomond Chia (Sin), 10. Tony Wong (Hkg).
Women: 1. Sin Li Jane (Mas), 2. Daphne Tan (Sin), 3. Gillian Lim (Mas), 4. Nora Lyana Nastasia Norkamal (Mas), 5. Natasha Roslan (Mas), 6. Lara Posadas (Phi), 7. Bernice Lim (Sin), 8. Jung Da Wun (Kor), 9. Yuri Sato (Jpn), 10. Baek Seung Ja (Kor).