Sin Li Jane Ends Breakout Season with PWBA Tour Championship Victory

A Season to Remember

Malaysia’s Sin Li Jane capped off an outstanding 2024 Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) National Tour season by clinching the prestigious PWBA Tour Championship title. Competing at Thunderbowl Lanes in Detroit, Sin secured her second major title and fourth championship of the season, solidifying her place among the tour’s elite.

In a dramatic title match, Sin defeated Jordan Richard 215-209, a contest that went down to the final frame. While Richard was seeking her first major title, Sin’s victory reaffirmed the talent and determination she displayed throughout the season.

“It’s been a great journey to be on tour this season,” Sin shared. “It means a lot to me because I came over by myself, I do everything on my own. I’m glad to have Esther Cheah with me for the whole season. I’ve proven to myself that I can do it.”

Thrilling Matches on the Road to Victory

Before reaching the championship match, Sin faced Missy Parkin in the semifinals. Parkin had already made history by advancing to the major finals as an alternate, a feat never achieved before.

The match was evenly contested early on, but Parkin’s fifth-frame split gave Sin a slight advantage. Though she couldn’t immediately capitalize, Sin remained clean for the remainder of the game, finishing with 217, while Parkin ended with 206.

Parkin, who was substituting for Diana Zavjalova, split her earnings with Zavjalova, both taking home $8,000.

The championship match against Richard was another nail-biting showdown. Both bowlers were neck and neck until the fifth frame, where Sin suffered a 4-6 split. Richard had a chance to pull ahead but struggled with a 2-4-6-7-10 split.

In the final frame, Richard needed a double and a count to seal her first major title. She delivered a powerful strike on her first shot, but heartbreak struck as she left a 7-10 split on her second attempt.

Sin then stepped up under pressure and delivered three flawless strikes in the 10th frame, securing a 215-209 victory and claiming the $50,000 top prize. Richard finished as the runner-up, earning $25,000.

A Special Win with Family Present

One of the most emotional moments for Sin was celebrating her win with her mother and brother in attendance.

“It means a lot to me to win this title in front of my mom and brother,” she said. “They have been with me throughout my journey, giving me moral support. I’m thankful for them, my dad back home, and my Malaysian bowling supporters.”

A Historic Achievement

Sin’s dominant season was further recognized when she was named PWBA Player of the Year, becoming only the second international player in history to receive the honor. She now joins the ranks of PWBA legends like Lisa Wagner and Wendy Macpherson.

Her season earnings of $154,570 are the second-highest in PWBA history since earnings were tracked in 1981, trailing only Wendy Macpherson’s $165,425 in 1997.

“It’s an incredible honor to be part of that list,” Sin remarked. “I hope this inspires more international players to join the tour, compete, and have fun.”

PWBA Tour Championship: A Grand Finale

The PWBA Tour Championship concluded the 2024 PWBA Championship Week – Detroit, which featured three marquee events:

• PWBA Greater Detroit Open (won by New Hui Fen)
• PWBA Pepsi Open (won by Jillian Martin)
• PWBA Tour Championship (won by Sin Li Jane)

With 13 events spanning the season, the 2024 PWBA Tour kicked off in May at the PWBA GoBowling! Twin Cities Open in Eagan, Minnesota.

Sin’s phenomenal season and Tour Championship triumph will undoubtedly inspire future generations of bowlers, proving that hard work and perseverance can lead to greatness. 🚀🎳