Sin Li Jane ended the year as number one in the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF) rankings – and there’s no secret to her success.

It is just plain old hard work, says the 27-year-old.

Ranked number one for the second time in her career, Li Jane has had a good year with two titles – Sarawak Open and the European Bowling Tour Masters – and consistently qualified for stepladder finals in various tournaments.

The last time she was ranked number one was in 2014 and the closest she came since then was her second place finish behind teammate Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman in 2017.

“There is no secret, lah. It is just hard work that worked for me. Throughout the year, I worked hard to make sure I did not lose my form,” said Li Jane.

“I am happy with what I achieved throughout the year. I accumulated 344 points, thanks to my good performances in Asia.

“I’ve also done well in the European Bowling Tour (EBT) and Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA), so I can say I am satisfied with my 2019.”

She topped the ABF rankings with 344 points. South Korea’s Lee Na-young finished second with 316, and Singapore’s Cherie Tan completed the podium with 295.

For Li Jane, being an elite bowler in the country is not easy as she has to face constant competition from the likes of Siti Safiyah, Esther Cheah and Shalin Zulkifli.

She has a good rapport with the girls, but when it comes to competitions, Li Jane is relentless.

“I continually evaluate myself in the monthly roll-offs and make sure I remain among the elite.

“If I perform poorly, I always ask myself what I did wrong. In bowling, there are no shortcuts.

“Bowling is an up-and-down sport and you cannot be winning all the time. So, I always work in the alley to make sure I am number one,” said Li Jane, who won a silver (women’s team of four) and bronze (women’s doubles) in the recent SEA Games.

Asked about her plans for 2020, she said she would leave it to the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) to decide on the competitions she would participate in.

“Whatever the competition, I will do my best. Next year, the important tournaments will be the Asian Championships and also the World Singles 2020.”

With the year ending, Li Jane said she wants to relax and enjoy the holidays before resuming training in January.

“I like the city vibes. It keeps me charged. A good break will help.

“I am off on holiday soon, but I am not going to tell you where I am going. It is a secret,” joked Li Jane.