Esther Cheah Claims First PWBA Title at 2024 Oklahoma Regional

Malaysian bowler Esther Cheah made history by securing her first-ever Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) victory at the 2024 PWBA Oklahoma Regional. With impressive scores of 249 and 238, she triumphed in the stepladder finals at Sooner Bowling Center in Norman, Oklahoma.

Strong Performance in Qualifying and Stepladder Finals

Cheah entered the stepladder finals as the second seed, having posted an eight-game total of 1,637. She was one of only three bowlers to maintain an average of 200 or above on the 41-foot oil pattern. Joining her in the finals were:

• Raina Davis (1,687) – Top qualifier from Oklahoma City
• Shelby Davis (1,600) – Third seed from LaPorte, Texas
• Brittney Kinney (1,593) – Fourth seed from Columbia City, Indiana

In the semifinal match, Cheah faced Shelby Davis and displayed outstanding form. After converting a 10-pin spare in the first frame, she went on a six-strike streak, securing a 249-234 victory. Shelby finished in third place, earning $600.

Thrilling Title Match Against Raina Davis

In the championship match, Cheah went head-to-head with top seed Raina Davis, a standout bowler from the Savannah College of Art and Design-Savannah team.

Cheah started strong, rolling four consecutive strikes, while Raina struggled early. However, Raina responded with a four-bagger of her own, keeping the match competitive. The crucial moment came in the ninth frame, when Raina’s high-flush 4-pin ended her striking streak. She finished with a 216, meaning Cheah only needed a solid count in the 10th frame to win.

She delivered under pressure, converting a 3-6-10 spare and finishing with a strike to secure the victory with 238. Raina placed second, earning $800.

A Special Win and Future Goals

This victory was extra special for Cheah, who has been competing alongside PWBA Player of the Year frontrunner Sin Li Jane. With Sin already securing three PWBA titles this season, Cheah was thrilled to finally add her own trophy to the collection.

“It’s nice to have a trophy to go along with Sin’s,” Cheah said with a laugh.

Cheah took home $1,600 in prize money and earned an automatic spot in the PWBA Regional Showdown, set for December 5-7 in Winter Park, Florida. However, her focus is now on the PWBA Tour Championship in Detroit (August 6-13).

“I’m still processing the win,” she admitted. “I haven’t bowled that well all season, but I’ve been improving. Winning this proves that I’m getting better, and hopefully, I can continue this momentum in Detroit.”

Upcoming PWBA Events

The PWBA Tour moves to Houston next for the Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles event (July 31 – August 3). Cheah will be competing alongside Marshall Kent, a PBA Tournament of Champions winner, in the high-profile doubles tournament.

With her first PWBA title now secured, Cheah looks ready to make an even bigger impact on the tour in the coming months.