Malaysia’s Sin Li Jane Wins Second PWBA Title at Rockford Open

Malaysia’s Sin Li Jane made a triumphant return to the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour, securing her second career title at the PWBA Bowlers Journal Rockford Open. The event, held at The Cherry Bowl in Rockford, Illinois, marked her first victory since the 2017 Pepsi PWBA Lincoln Open.

A Dominant Performance in Rockford

Sin dominated the competition throughout the tournament, leading most of the qualifying rounds and earning the No. 1 seed for the stepladder finals. In the championship match, she faced Ukraine’s Dasha Kovalova and delivered a solid performance, winning 204-154 to claim the $20,000 grand prize and the trophy.

Kovalova, who also had a strong showing throughout the event, struggled with unlucky ball reactions in the final, leaving multiple splits that cost her the match. Despite the loss, she secured a $10,000 runner-up prize.

“It means a lot to me to win on the PWBA Tour again; it’s been so many years,” Sin said after her victory.

Stepladder Recap: Intense Battles to the Finals

The night’s stepladder matches featured top-tier competition from some of the world’s best bowlers:

• Match 1: Liz Kuhlkin vs. Shayna Ng

  • Kuhlkin opened strong with five strikes in six frames, taking control early.
  • Ng kept the match close but missed a key opportunity, allowing Kuhlkin to advance with a 222-189 win.
  • Ng finished fifth, earning $5,500.

• Match 2: Kuhlkin vs. Josie Barnes

  • Barnes, a four-time PWBA title winner, capitalized on Kuhlkin’s struggles.
  • Kuhlkin opened four frames and could not recover, scoring 150, while Barnes advanced with a 213.
  • Kuhlkin took home $6,500 for her fourth-place finish.

• Semifinal: Barnes vs. Kovalova

  • Both bowlers battled neck-and-neck, with crucial splits in the final frames deciding the match.
  • Kovalova converted a key 2-8-10 split and sealed the win with a 204-192 victory.
  • Barnes secured a third-place finish and a $7,500 prize.

A New Chapter for Sin Li Jane

Sin’s 2024 PWBA season is particularly significant as she is competing without her fellow Team Malaysia teammates. Previously, the Malaysian squad traveled together for the tour season, but Sin has embarked on this journey alone.

“It’s taken a lot of courage to do that, and I feel like I have a lot more confidence and belief now after today,” she said.

With this confidence-boosting win, Sin now sets her sights on the first major of the season—the USBC Queens in Green Bay, Wisconsin, beginning May 14 at the Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley.

Can she carry this momentum into the season’s biggest events? Stay tuned! 🎳🏆