SUBANG JAYA: National elite bowlers Hafiz Zainuddin and Gillian Lim lived up to their reputations by winning the boys and girls' categories respectively in the Gen Z Challenge (Under-25) at the 24th Milo Storm 22 International Junior All-Stars on Sunday.
Hafiz, 24, ruled the 14-player finals with a commanding performance, amassing 2,326 pinfalls over the 10-game roll-off to secure the RM8,000 top prize at Sunway Mega Lanes. South Korea's Cha Seung Been claimed second place with 2,302, edging out Filipino Marc Custodio by a single pin.
In the girls' division, Gillian spearheaded a Malaysian sweep of the podium, posting a winning total of 2,315 to claim the RM5,000 prize.
She outpaced Anis Hannani Romzi, who finished with 2,309. Adania Redzwan completed the Malaysian triumph with 2,218, securing her second podium finish in as many days after emerging runner-up in Saturday's flagship Open category.
The victory adds to Hafiz's impressive 2024 campaign, which includes the Malaysia Open title in May and five medals at the Asian Championships in September, including gold in the trios event.
"It's such a high quality competition, you can tell from the high scoring games by all competitors," said a relieved Hafiz.
"As one of the elite members in action, I do feel the pressure coming into this tournament. The younger ones are showing that they're just as good. Just take Ethan (Damien Goh, who finished seventh) as for instance, he's only 14!
"All in all, I'm really happy with how my career is trending. After securing my breakthrough win at the Malaysia Open, things have been looking up ever since. I want to keep improving next year and fight my spot for the Sea Games and World Championships."
For Gillian, 25, the title was her third in an already incredible season where she also secured a rare Malaysia Open and National Championship titles in the same year.
"To end the year with a third title, I really couldn't ask for more. This is definitely the best year I've had as a national bowler," said Gillian.
"I'm really glad to compete in the Gen Z Challenge, a shoutout to the Junior All Stars organisers because at least those who're overaged can continue to be part of the tournament.
"December is always a quiet month, at least there's something for us to look forward to."