Aiman-Ethan strike first gold for Malaysia at Asian Youth

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia roared back into contention at the Asian Youth Championships as Aiman Syahin Sulaiman and Ethan Damien Goh stormed to the boys’ doubles gold at Sunway Mega Lanes on Saturday.

The pair combined superbly for a 12-game total of 2,696 pinfalls — well clear of the United Arab Emirates’ Abdulrzzaq Mohamad-Hassan Qasem (2,611) and Japan’s Eita Saotome-Fumine Suda (2,594).

It was the perfect response after a disappointing singles outing on Friday, when Aiman finished sixth as Malaysia’s best performer.

Compatriots Wan Zarif Ikram Wan Mazlan-Danial Abu Samah struggled for rhythm and placed 23rd with 2,265.

For debutant Aiman, the victory was especially sweet.

“This is the biggest achievement for me so far, but carrying Malaysia’s name automatically means more than any individual result,” he said.

“This is only my first year with the national squad. There’s still a lot for me to learn, but I’m grateful I could already contribute something.”

National youth coach Alex Liew hailed the pair’s composure against a strong field.

“The boys’ competition is really tough and it’s not easy to win a medal,” he said.

“I’m really happy with how the boys responded after yesterday. They made the right adjustments and stayed disciplined.

“Ethan did well too, especially after his singles struggles — he showed he has the ability to fight through tough moments.”

The girls’ division brought mixed fortunes.

Adelia Nur Irwan Syazalee-Adania Redzwan narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth on 2,431 — just 25 pins shy of the bronze won by Japan’s Kiri Watanabe-Mao Kondoh.

Malaysia’s opening-day medallist Qurratu’ain Izdihar Pozi, paired with Nurul Anis Nabila Nizam, ended eighth on 2,249.

The result meant Malaysia were unable to defend the doubles crown Nurul Anis won with Anis Hannani Romzi in Bangkok two years ago.

Singapore continued to dominate, clinching a second straight girls’ gold through Lim Shi En-Nur Irdina Hazly with 2,637.

South Korea‘s Paek Dam-Jo Yoon Seo took silver on 2,473.

Singapore had also won the singles via Hazel Tan.

The championships continue with the team event, staged in two blocks on Sunday and Monday.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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