PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur International Open Bowling Championships defending champion Adrian Ang is hoping retain his title this year to make amends to his poor performance in the recent Asian Championships in Hong Kong.

Adrian attributed his poor performance in Hong Kong to a niggling finger injury he picked up before the Indonesia SEA Games last year. In Hong Kong, the men returned with just a bronze medal in the doubles through Zulmazran Zulkifli-Mohd Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek.

However, despite the slight injury, Adrian is looking forward to retaining his title at the KL Megalanes at Endah Parade tomorrow.

“I am suffering a low point this year as I struggle to replicate my game in previous years because of my injury. But I’m not about to stop because of it. I still can play but I have to make some changes to my game. It is a bit difficult but I have to cope with it,” said Adrian.

Qualifying rounds are being played in the Kuala Lumpur Open and it will culminate tomorrow with the step-ladder finals.

Adrian, by virtue of being the defending champion, will get a bye in the qualifying and compete straight in the 10-game elimination round prior to the step-ladder finals for the top six qualifiers.

“Although I’m not playing the qualifiers, I will not take the competition lightly. I want to show that I can still bowl despite the injury,” said Adrian.

Meanwhile, Zandra Aziela Ibrahim Hakimi, will be looking to defend the women’s title she won last year.

The Youth Open (boys and girls) finals will be held today.

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