Sin Li Jane Wins 2024 U.S. Women’s Open, Secures First Major Title

A Historic Victory for Malaysia’s Sin Li Jane

Malaysia’s Sin Li Jane achieved a career-defining milestone by capturing her first major title at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open, defeating Latvia’s Diana Zavjalova in a thrilling final match. With a 226-214 victory, Sin not only secured her third PWBA Tour title of the season but also established herself as a frontrunner for the PWBA Player of the Yearaward.

This triumph marks a remarkable comeback for Sin, who was absent from the PWBA Tour for three seasons before returning in 2024. After narrowly missing the televised rounds at the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Queensearlier this year, she ensured that this time, she would not let the opportunity slip away.

How Sin Sealed the Win

Sin maintained composure throughout the final match, delivering a clean 226 game. Her consistency was key—she missed the pocket only once, in the first frame, but quickly recovered. After converting a single-pin spare, she rolled three consecutive strikes, gaining momentum.

Zavjalova stayed close in the early frames and even applied pressure by stringing together four strikes in a row. However, a crucial miscue in the sixth frame, where she left the 2-4-10 split and failed to convert, ultimately gave Sin the advantage.

By the final frame, Sin needed just nine pins to clinch the victory—which she delivered before converting a spare and striking to seal the win. She walked away with the prestigious green jacket, the iconic eagle trophy, and the $60,000 top prize. Zavjalova earned $30,000 as the runner-up.

“I’ve dreamt about this moment for a long time,” Sin said. “After watching other bowlers win while I was away, today, I won it.”

Clemmer’s Heartbreaking Exit in the Semifinals

Before the championship match, Zavjalova edged out Breanna Clemmer in the semifinals in a nail-biting finish.

Clemmer, coming off two impressive victories against England’s Verity Crawley (258-188) and Stefanie Johnson of Texas (228-195), seemed poised to continue her winning streak. However, strikes were hard to come by in the semifinal, and both Clemmer and Zavjalova struggled to maintain momentum.

Zavjalova posted a final score of 191, meaning Clemmer needed at least a mark in the 10th frame to advance. After converting a 4-pin spare, she needed nine pins to win or eight to force a tie.

Disaster struck.

Her final shot missed right, leaving the 2-8-10 split—a costly mistake that resulted in a 189 finish and ended her title hopes. She took home $22,000 for third place.

Sin’s Journey Toward Player of the Year

With three titles in 2024 and now a major championship under her belt, Sin Li Jane is in pole position for the PWBA Player of the Year award. If she continues her strong performances, she could become just the second international player to win the prestigious honor.

“I have never thought of winning Player of the Year,” she admitted. “I’m just going to take it one stop at a time and let what happens, happen.”

The PWBA Tour takes a brief break before returning on July 25-28 for the PBA/PWBA Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles in Houston, Texas. That event will be streamed live exclusively on BowlTV.

Can Sin Continue Her Dominance?

With her confidence at an all-time high, Sin will now turn her focus toward the Tour Championship week at Thunderbowl Lanes in Detroit (August 6-13). If she keeps her momentum going, she could cement her place as one of the top players in PWBA history.

Stay tuned for more updates as Sin’s incredible season continues! 🚀🎳