Allen targets four gold medals at Asiad

14/11/1998

FOR eight years, chief coach Sid Allen has always played down the national
keglers' chances in international tournaments. Yesterday, he caused a stir
when he announced his four-gold target at the Asian Games in Bangkok next
month..
After a meeting with Asian Games chef-de-mission Dr Zakaria Ahmad, Allen
said the women are good for three gold medals while the men will return
with one.
"I have been with the national team for eight years now and the present
batch of keglers are the best ever. They have the ability to win four
golds at the Asiad," said Allen.
Zakaria had predicted a modest two-gold haul from the entire Malaysian
contingent, so if Allen is to be believed, Malaysia are in for a good
harvest in Bangkok.
"I have seen the Taiwan and South Korean keglers train and although they
are good, I still feel the Malaysians have a slight advantage," said
Allen.
The Korean keglers have been training fulltime for two years now and
have almost perfected their game.
"I have been told the Koreans were barricaded in a hostel for two years
without even telephones to communicate with the outside world. They are
dead serious about winning medals at the Asiad and will be the toughest
hurdle."
Allen said the men's team of Kenny Ang, Ben Heng, Alex Liew, Daniel Lim,
Lai Chuen Lian and Vincent Low will find the going tougher than the women.
"Lai Kin Ngoh, Shalin Zulkifli, Sharon Low, Sarah Yap, Low Poh Lian and
Karen Lian are at their peak and if the lane conditions in Bangkok suit
them, they will be unbeatable," he said.
Although the bowlers have had a hectic competition year with the
Commonwealth Games taking the biggest toll on their energy, Allen said
instead of a burnout, the team have become stronger with each tournament.
"I dare say that at next year's Brunei Sea Games, we will return with
all the eight golds at stake," said a confident Allen.
Other than Ang and Shalin, who will be competing in the AMF World Cup in
Japan next week, the rest will compete in the Genting World Kuala Lumpur
International Open championships at Genting Bowl in Subang Jaya on Nov 20-
29.
The annual RM42,000 singles tournament is part of the bowlers'
preparation for the Asiad.
(END)