Always hopeful: Siti Shazwani Ahmad Suhaimi now aims to get a place in the national team for the Brunswick Euro Challenge in Munich next month.

PETALING JAYA: Siti Shazwani Ahmad Suhaimi just could not believe her luck when she was selected to compete in the Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Champ­ionships in Auckland from Feb 24-March 4.

The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) picked the four-member team last week. Shazwani was included alongside Dayang Khairuniza Dhiyana Abang Jamalidon, Isaac Russell Paul and Mohd Rafiq Ismail.

“The competition between us, especially the second-tier bowlers, is very stiff and anyone could be picked for a tournament,” said Shazwani.

There are currently 12 bowlers in the women’s team.

In the upper echelon of the squad are Esther Cheah, Shalin Zulkifli, Sharon Koh, Sin Li Jane, Jacqueline Jenelee Sijore, Zandra Aziela Ibrahim Hakimi, Zatil Iman Abdul Ghani and Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman. Dayang, Shazwani, Hee Kar Yen and Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi are considered second-tier bowlers.

The MTBC will also be selecting a team, this time a six-member squad, to compete in the Brunswick Euro Challenge in Munich, Germany, from March 15-24.

Shazwani is also hoping to make the cut for the Munich tournament.

She bowled consistently last year despite not winning any titles. She had two runner-up finishes – in the Thailand Open and PBAP Bevida-Storm Inter­na­tional Classic in Philippines. She also finished third in the Kuala Lumpur Open.

Although the Commonwealth Champ­ionships is not as prestigious as other Opens or major tournaments like the World Cup or World Championships, Shazwani still thinks it deserves her full attention.

“To me, any competition is important as I’ll be wearing national colours. There are quite a number of strong bowlers from Singapore, Canada and Australia and we must not take them lightly,” said the 26-year-old engineering student.

Chief coach Holloway Cheah will accompany the four bowlers to Auckland.

“Holloway wants us to improve our ability to convert spares as it could make or break our game. Much of our training now involves taking down spares on the lanes,” said Shazwani.

• Please wait.

• English tries hand Rebels first win over Waratahs
• Nadal, Djokovic on semi-final collision course in Paris
• England turn to youth to take on Barbarians
• British Open: Nicol David deals with disruptions for semi spot
• Cruden, Clarke help Chiefs claim crucial Crusaders win
• European football final adds new chapter to Adidas-Puma rivalry
• Former Giro winner Di Luca tests positive for EPO
• Jockey Ahern lodges appeal against 10-year ban
• Giro stage called off after heavy snow overnight
• Ryan Palmer sizzles with 62 to seize lead at Colonial