National Bowler Redefines Success on Her Own Terms
A Path to the Top
Sin Li Jane has come a long way since her early days in the sport. She laughed as she recalled being introduced to bowling at the Royal Perak Golf Club at just eight years old. "When I was eight, I was actually rolling the ball with two hands because it was too heavy," she said. Her parents would often take her and her two older brothers to the club during school holidays, where they would fill their days with tennis, swimming, and bowling. However, for Sin, one sport stood out. "I just liked bowling more than tennis or swimming."
A Return to the Top
Fast forward to August 2024, and the young girl from Ipoh made history by becoming the champion of the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour Championship. She also clinched the coveted Player of the Year title – the first Asian to do so, and earning herself a Malaysia Book of Records award. "I was having the best time of my life there," she shared. "I’m trying to let every moment sink in. I thought about winning, but not that many titles!"
Her Winning Mindset
Her victory has marked a triumphant return to the sport after a three-year break from the PWBA Tour. Sin captured not only the 2024 US Women’s Open but also two other major titles. She capped off the season by defeating Latvia’s Diana Zavjalova, 226-214, earning her first career major. "I don’t really like to think of winning that much. I like to enjoy the process more," she explained. "Once you enjoy the process, everything will fall into place."
The Power of Family and Coaches
Sin credits her family with being her rock throughout her career. Her mum even gave up her career, relocating to Kuala Lumpur when Sin was 14 and studying at the Bukit Jalil Sport School. "When I went to the US, my mum and brother flew out to be with me for three weeks," she said. She also thanks her national head coach, Ben Heng Boon Hian, and the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) for helping her stay focused.
The Simple Life
At the end of the day, Sin remains refreshingly humble, with a simple approach to life and bowling. "As an athlete, you only have a certain amount of golden time for you to shine," she reflected. She enjoys simple pleasures, such as coffee breaks that allow her to reflect and recharge. "I don’t go for other sports," she said. "You never know, you might get excited and injured!"
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Sin’s goals are clear but grounded. She’s eyeing major titles like the United States Bowling Congress Queens, an annual bowling event for female bowlers, and the World Championship, but she’s not putting too much pressure on herself. "If you’re competing in professional tournaments, you’re competing with hundreds of people who know how to bowl!"
Conclusion
Sin Li Jane has redefined success on her own terms, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Her love for the game, her family, and her coaches have all contributed to her achievements. As she puts it, "My ultimate goal right now is to enjoy every moment that I’m having while I’m still a bowler."
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is your secret to success?
A: I enjoy the process of bowling more than focusing on winning.
Q: How do you stay motivated?
A: I have a simple mindset – to enjoy the game and the journey.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring bowlers?
A: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Focus on enjoying the game.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I’m eyeing major titles like the United States Bowling Congress Queens and the World Championship, but I’m not putting too much pressure on myself.