National tenpin bowling star Nora Lyana Nastasia Norkamal solidified her status as a regional powerhouse by capturing the Women’s Open title at the 2026 Thailand Open Bowling Championship yesterday.

This victory marks the 28-year-old’s third title in Bangkok, adding to her previous triumphs in 2015 and 2023.

Nora, who entered the stepladder finals as a challenger, displayed remarkable composure in a high-pressure environment. To secure the trophy, she had to win two consecutive matches. She dominated the first match 217-172 before toppling top seed New Hui Fen of Singapore with a massive 257-181 score in the deciding playoff.

“I am incredibly grateful to win this title for the third time. It’s a huge confidence boost before I head to the United States for the PWBA Tour next month,” said Nora, who also pocketed a cash prize of 130,000 Baht (approx. RM16,130).

Beyond Nora’s success, the Malaysian camp celebrated a gold rush in the youth categories. Muhammad Zuhair (Under-18) and Khaira Nur Aleesya Azrul Izwan (Under-21) both secured gold medals in their respective Masters categories, proving that the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) development program remains world-class.

In total, 37 Malaysian players were sent to Bangkok, making this the first—and highly successful—international assignment of 2026.

Keputusan Penuh Pemenang Pingat Malaysia:

🥇 PINGAT EMAS

• Nora Lyana Nastasia Norkamal – Women’s Open
• Muhammad Zuhair – Boys Under-18 Masters
• Khaira Nur Aleesya Azrul Izwan – Girls Under-21 Masters

🥈 PINGAT PERAK

• Muhammad Danish Mahmud – Boys Under-21 Masters
• Khaira Lmanina Mohd Khairil Izwan – Girls Under-21 Masters
• Muhammad Adam Darwish – Boys Under-18 Masters

🥉 PINGAT GANGSA

• Muhammad Eikhsan – Boys Under-15 & Under-13 Masters
• Zara Deliza Mohd Kamarul Azizi – Girls Under-21 Masters
• Qurratu’ain Ain Izdihar – Women’s Open

MTBC Secretary-General, Maradona Chok, described the results as a perfect start to the year’s sporting calendar.

“It is a great beginning for the Malaysian campaign. We hope to maintain this momentum as we prepare for the Asian Championships later this year,” he stated.