Li Jane crosses into Asiad lane

Sin Li Jane has improved since joining the national elite training sessions.

SIN Li Jane could be the first ever national back-up bowler selected for the Guangzhou Asian Games.

The 18-year-old's victory in the Singapore Open on Saturday is a clear indication that she is making great strides in her game.

Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) high performance manager Cheah Ban Cheng said Li Jane will be considered for the Asian Games.

"Li Jane has improved since joining the national elite training sessions over the months. She is definitely one of the candidates," said Ban Cheng.

Li Jane defeated Taiwan's Li Hsiao Ping 213-177 in the Singapore Open to nail her maiden senior title and also the first title of the year for the national women's team.

MTBC is expected to shortlist 12 bowlers for the Asian Games, scheduled for Oct 12-27, this week..

Two-time world champion Esther Cheah and Shalin Zulkifli are certain of making the Asian Games women's squad. Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman, Sharon Koh, Wendy Chai, Zandra Aziela, Zatil Iman and Li Jane will fight for the other four spots.

The senior bowlers are expected to be dropped from the Asian Games men's squad after failing to impress since last year. Alex Liew and Daniel Lim, who both have been below par, could be among those to get the chop.

Alex, a former World Championship silver medallist, is struggling with his game since making changes to his technique.

Alex, 34, has been having a bad run in tournaments and his recent failure in the Singapore Open shows that he is far from his best.

As for Daniel, he is still trying to get into the groove since returning to the game after a back injury.

Zulmazran Zulkifli, Adrian Ang and Aaron Kong will form the core of the men's Asian Games squad together with Muhd Nur Aiman and Syafiq Ridhwan. The last spot could go to one of the back-up bowlers.

However, Holloway may opt for experience. That means Alex or Daniel could still make the men's team.