Standard of Singapore Bowling ?

Spook SG

Whats your view?

Here are some of my thoguhts........

Looking around our regions, many of them have made more dramatic improvements. M'sia, Thailand, Korea, Phillipines, etc...

See the resent Asian Youth Championship, where are we heading?

If you are in your youth, and being part of a bowler fanatic in SG, does it bothers you? I meant, is there something worng with our system? Why aren't our bowlers performed at the bigger stage, are we over depending on a handful.

What will be the future of SG?

Considering the fact the numbers of Bowling centre we have, should we produce more elites. What are we lacking? Good Coaches? Good System?
Good Bowlers?

Hope to hear some views...

harmzuay SG

In my opinion, the main impedence to Singapore becoming a bigger player in the region as a 'bowling power' is the administration.

Although the Singapore Tenpin Bowling Association (is it still called that now?) was making improvements, they have hit a wall of late. I thought that the appoiontment of Jessie Phua was a good move, and she started off making all the right moves. Too bad everything tailed off and she moved on after a few years in office. During her time, the SEA games results were not the best, but I thought the direction the association were headed in was right. In short, I think Singapore bowling needs another passionate - and most importantly - strong head.

I say this because our youth development scheme has become a joke. We were once the best in the region. During my time, countless bowlers came through the ranks and many more with potential were waiting in the wings (i will not mention names, out of courtesy).

The problem is two-fold:

1) Like it or not, Singapore bowling is still very dependent on courting popularity instead of ability. I mean this in the context of talent scouting. We all know of the annual trials for the National Youth team. Unfortunately, for those that don't already know, I'll say this - the trials are a farce. Many good bowlers who deserve to be in don't get picked; whilst those with 'connections' are automatic selections.

For instance: Some schools have coaches who also happen to be National Youth/National coaches. And its no coincidence that these schools make up a large proportion of the Trials' intake every year.

2) I said this before: the administration is bad. The state of leadership of Singapore bowling is the main fault. If the leadership were stronger, the problem highlighted in part (1) would cease to exist. And we'll have proper coaches, be they foreign or local. We'll have good bowlers who are willing to represent the country.

Example: I know plenty of excellent bowlers who were, and still are, qualified to represent the country. And I'm speaking of bowlers who can/will/probably match or beat our last few crops of national bowlers on a more than regular basis. They turn down call-ups to the team simply because they are disillusioned by the management/leadership of the association.

I know my post has been long and wordy, but they echo what I feel deeply. I still love the sport with a great passion. And I hope this post does not dissuade anyone from trying to make the National team - one never knows when things might change. Twisted Evil

Chris10 SG

I agree that they are much more bowlers out there good enough for the national team.. just that they dont have the chance..

even say normal players like me, its so hard to find a club or team to join where people train together and work towards a direction. All along, i train alone, trying hard to find people to play together but still up to no valid..

I want to join a club or whatever.. but just cant find any.. i love bowling, but it just seems so hard to find a route for me to take. I cant find a good bowling vcd, cant watch any international bowling competitons.. I even had a hard time finding help in singapore cos there's no forums.. in the end, i had to msg stangers in friendster for help.. lucky.. at least they seems to be friendly..

Another thing.. there are talents and people who are very into bowling during school days.. after they graduate, there's no more route for them.. they love bowling but without the school and teammates, they are lost.. they are alone.. and just like me.. standing there in the middle.. not knowing how to continue the route.. and then slowly.. they give up bowling..

but they are more fortunate.. i love bowling since pri school.. i never had the chance to be in bowling team as there's no such cca in schools before.. and its only now that i can afford my own balls.. thats why I want to continue my interest.. but it seems like I'm stuck in the middle of nowhere..

talents are lost in the process.. and thus cant provide enough competitions for places in Singapore team..

Spook SG

Hi Chris10

I share your sentiment, infact many are like you, its not easy to join a team of regulars to bowl and learn together.

I've been doing that for a few seasons, forming teams in league, members comes, members goes, due to many reasons, works, family, different frequencies, expectation level among members, what have you.

So many league teams are usually good freinds, not just bowling kakis, or bowling kakis becomes good freinds.

Team size usually 6-12, fluctuate over times.

If you like to join a team for league, I think Team F.O.S. and my team may still may have vacancy if you are available on Tuesday evening, ofcoz F.O.S. is a stronger team than mine, check it out at http://www.csc.gov.sg/planetbowl/
you will find out more from there.

Nice talking to you.

jae SG

hey chris, i really shared your sentiment.
The first time i picked up a bowling ball was when i was 14. The first game that i bowled, i got 51 pts, and a single miserable spare only. But the magic was there and bowling captivated me since then.
Bowling as a ECA/CCA was not offered at all in my schools, and it was after NS, that i got in SIM, that i enjoyed the trainings and kakis, competition, leagues etc. Bowling is never the same w/o kakis and friends who share the same passion, who share and grow in mental strength in the game. Feel free to look for us and Spook, and we can share our games in CSC, subject to our differeing schedule. Very Happy

harmzuay SG

Wow. I just may be the latest starter: only bowled my first ball when I was 16 years old. With my left hand (i'm a righty; hand was injured). Even though it was a very bad game, I found it interesting enough to pursue.

Never thought I'd become hooked on it. But I am. Twisted Evil

Chris10 SG

Spook and Jae..

both of you really have me motivation to join others in playing bowling.. Very Happy
agreed that bowling will never be same with kakis around..

thanks for asking me over.. hee.. but one thing that bothers me.. how do you all carry 2 or 3 balls around to different places to bowl? Do you all have car?

Actually, I stay in the west.. So far, those who I have found all play at Yishun, katong, or like you all planet bowl at balestier..
The north and east seems to be so happening..

from you all i feel i should really get out there and start making friends..

beside leagues, do you all have normal practice sessions?

Spook SG

On Do you all carry 2 or 3 balls around to different places to bowl? Do you all have car?

I do drive now, but when i 1st started without car, either i carry around or if settle in league in a particular centre, get a locker there.

I still remember those days, carrying bowling gears to work, boy it was tough, imagine the early commuters rush? plus almost 20kgs, my freinds all sayd I Ki Siao, but what to do, damn addicted what Laughing ,

When returned home, always got bruises on my shoulder. Hah, those were the days Cool

On from you all i feel i should really get out there and start making friends..

Yesh....That's the way ah huh ah huh, I like it, ah huh ah huh, most ppl in bowling are quite freindly.

On beside leagues, do you all have normal practice sessions?
I think Jae and the gangs has more training compared to us, we cut down alot these days. Almost confine to Tue. eve only.

Hey, there's 2 spare lanes on Tues. evening, may i suggest we share the lanes for training? But if league lanes are down, gotto give up? it happened the recent Tue. Sad

harmzuay SG

I used to bring 2 ball bags around on public transport. I think most of us did when we first began. At one point of time, I brought 3-4 balls around and alternated between public transport and going with friends who drive. Now I drive and I have gone back to bringing two balls. I actually need only one, but i don't have a single ball bag, so two balls help to balance the bag. Cool

You can also get a locker at a regular place you play at. I used to have locker at Victor's in Marina South. regular locker costs $75 annually back then. Enough space for 3 balls + shoes and accessories. Good deal.

Lockers are the best solution by far.

Hey spook,

20 kgs (44 lbs) of gear?? Are you carrying 3 fourteen pound balls or something?

Twisted Evil

enginboi SG

haha....actually casual bowling not counted la...i started bowling when i was in ns, with my jc friends, that is one game we enjoyed competition when we were out on weekend nights, but with houseballs of cos. So after a while start to get our own balls and start to explore. unfortunately now i am the only one left stil passionate i this sports, sigh...but i will press on

enginboi SG

i totally agree with you, anyway bowling is a pretty political sports in singapore, always alot of political issues. But slowly they are improving, just not as fast as other countries. But to be true, bowling is pretty political even in the region, look at the recent sea games, it is almost pre determined who would lose. Not in terms of bribery or fake performance, but in terms of lane conditions. To many who do not know, in competitions, the lane technician that oils the lane cannot ensure you win, but he can ensure that you lose!!! the recent report shows that in the masters of the sea games, the oil on the left side of the lane is twice that of the right side. amazing isn't it? and remy ong with high ball speed naturally did not perform and lost. But i do believe bowling will slowly grow. that is why i doing my personal best to educate novice bowlers so that they wont be fooled by not so pro coaches and pro shops, and hopefully standards will rise slowly.

enginboi SG

if you play at a fix bowling centre, best is to get a locker, unless you hav a vehicle, it is quite an effort to bring your gears and go around in public transport, sometimes no transprot i no choice got to take cab, but ex man, so locker is stil the most economical!!!

Chris10 SG

Actually, I already had a locker at starbowl (Home team NS or CDANS).. cos I play there all the time.. thats why I need to carry balls around if I want to play at other places. Cant get another locker and waste my $60 on the locker.. hee..

I really salute both of you all to carry so much around! I tried once carrying 2 balls around.. I really gave up thats why I got the locker.. which I'm using now..

I thought Jae's team play at Yishun Safra sometimes? Its so much nearer! haha.. so planet bowl is "fixed" bowling place currently for you all?

but i dont mind going down to balestier one of these days to meet you guys..