KUCHING: National bowler Nur Hazirah Ramli made a strong debut on the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour after finishing third at the 2025 United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Queens, a major championship held in the United States.
She came just two wins short of a dream tiara finish after a strong performance that carried her all the way to the stepladder finals on Monday (May 19), a surreal experience the 23-year-old debutant still treasures.
Competing against a world-class field in what is considered one of the toughest and most prestigious events in women’s bowling, the 2024 SUKMA gold medallist held her own and showcased her composure under pressure.
The semifinal match featured an all-Malaysian showdown, with Sin Li Jane going head-to-head against her teammate Nur Hazirah Ramli, who was making her debut in any professional event.
Two early opens by Sin in the first four frames gave Hazirah the lead, but Sin recovered with a stunning seven consecutive strikes to finish with 235.
Hazirah, despite a solid 211, was unable to keep pace and bowed out in third place — earning USD 22,500 for her efforts.
“It was my PWBA debut in the US, and what made it even more memorable,albeit more intense — was that it’s a major.
“Queens has always been known for its tough, high-scoring elimination format. The prize that awaits the champion is every woman’s childhood princess dream, being crowned queen and wearing the tiara,”Hazirah told Sarawak Tribune when contacted recently.
That fairytale, however, quickly gave way to reality as Hazirah was met with the intensity and depth of the international competition.
“I had to get past the cultural shock and the awe-struck butterflies quickly, or else it would have been a very short one-stop tour for me this year,” she said.
Recalling her journey, Hazirah credited her ability to reframe nerves into excitement , a lesson instilled in her from a young age.
“From young, we were taught to turn nervousness into excitement. Remembering my past efforts, the sacrifices, and everyone who supported and encouraged me , that helped me embrace the moment,” she said.
That mental clarity allowed her to focus on every throw, battle through the rounds, and fight all the way to the televised finals. Though her run ended just shy of a title shot, she called the experience “gratifying.”
“I was sad to be just two wins away, but making the TV finals in a major on my debut was a huge achievement for me. Till today, looking back at the journey that’s come to pass, it still feels surreal,” she added.
