HAFIZ, GILLIAN RULE THE LANES IN GEN Z CHALLENGE

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- National elite bowlers Hafiz Zainuddin and Gillian Lim lived up to expectations when they clinched the Gen Z Challenge (Under-25) category boys' and girls' titles at the 24th Milo Storm Under-22 International Junior All-Stars today. 

Hafiz, 24, produced a commanding performance in the 14-player Finals to amass 2,326 pinfalls in the 10-game roll-off to bag the RM8,000 top prize at the Sunway Mega Lanes in Subang Jaya, with South Korea's Cha Seung Been (2,302 pinfalls) finishing second by a single pin ahead of third-placed Marc Custodio of the Philippines.

This victory extends Hafiz's impressive run of form for 2024, which had seen him win the Malaysia Open title in May and clinch five medals at the Asian Championships in September, including gold in the trios event.

"It's such a high-quality competition, you can tell from the high-scoring games by all the competitors. As one of the elite members in action, I felt pressure coming into this tournament. The younger ones are showing that they're just as good. Just take Ethan (Damien Goh, who finished seventh), for instance, he's only 14!

"All in all, I'm really happy with how my career is progressing. Things have been looking up ever since I secured my breakthrough win at the Malaysia Open. I want to keep improving next year and fight for a spot in the (Thailand) SEA Games and the World Championships," Hafiz said in a statement today.

Gillian, meanwhile, spearheaded a Malaysian clean sweep in the girls' event with 2,315 pinfalls to pocket the RM5,000 prize money. 

Compatriot Anis Hannani Romzi (2,309 pinfalls) finished second just six pins behind, followed by Adania Redzwan (2,218 pinfalls), who secured her second podium finish in as many days after emerging runner-up in Saturday's flagship Open category.

For Gillian, 25, this is her third title in an already incredible season, having bagged a rare Malaysia Open and National Championship double in the same year.

"To end the year with a third title... I really couldn't ask for me. This is definitely the best year I've had as a national bowler.

"I'm really glad to compete in the Gen Z Challenge, a shoutout to the Junior All-Stars organisers because at least those who are overaged can continue to be a part of the tournament. December is always a quiet month, at least there's something for us to look forward to now,” said Gillian, who finished third last year.

-- BERNAMA