Malaysia continued their impressive run at the Under-18 Asian Junior Championships in Doha, picking up their fourth medal on Tuesday after debutants Kho Yek Zhen and Affan Azmi battled their way to a bronze in the boys’ doubles event.
The national pair delivered a combined total of 2,582 pinfalls across 12 games, securing third place behind a commanding Qatari sweep. Hosts Talal Al Marri and Masaed Al Muraikhi claimed gold with 2,690, while compatriots Hassan Al Muraikhi and Abdulrahman Al Doseri bagged silver on 2,669.
Despite narrowly missing out on the top two spots, Yek Zhen and Affan’s gritty performance kept Malaysia’s medal momentum alive, adding to the nation’s growing tally in the tournament.
With two golds and two bronzes from four events so far, Malaysia are proving to be a force in Doha. Star performer Qurratu’ain Izdihar Pozi has already struck gold twice — in the girls’ singles and doubles (with partner Adelia Nur Syazalee) — while Aqil Faizal secured bronze in the boys’ singles.
Hopes are high as Malaysia gears up for the boys’ and girls’ team events, which kick off Wednesday. All eyes are also on the All-Events standings, where Malaysians are poised to strike again.
Sayed Abdullah and Wan Muhammad Ikram Wan Mazlan currently top the boys’ leaderboard with 2,650 and 2,647 pinfalls respectively. In the girls’ division, Qurratu’ain leads the pack with 2,485, with Adelia close behind on 2,391 — putting Qurratu’ain in prime position for a potential third gold medal.
Team manager Maradona Chok praised the squad’s consistent performances: “It’s been a solid run so far, and I’m proud of how our bowlers have stepped up in every event. We’ve been on the podium each time, and that gives us strong momentum heading into the team events — which are always the most coveted titles. The players are fired up and ready to keep the medal streak going.”
