SHALIN Zulkifli is known as the 'Black Pearl' for her bowling prowess and she hopes to live up to her nickname when she starts her campaign at the seven-round Professional Bowlers' Association (PBA) Women's Tour in the United States.

She will begin her campaign in the season opening Pepsi Viper Championship in Omaha on Oct 29-Nov 2.

Shalin, who is marrying former national bowler Azidi Ameran on Dec 28, is the only Asian in the 16-bowler field for the event.

She made the cut after reaching the semi-finals of the PBA Women's trials in August.

Although it will be tough, Shalin has set a target of winning at least one of the rounds.
"I was given the nickname 'Black Pearl' by a Taiwanese coach when I competed in my first international outing as a 14-year-old. The Taiwanese coach told me then that I will be a great bowler some day. I believe I will be recognised as a world class bowler if I win a professional title," said Shalin, who is the Tour's third seeded bowler, yesterday

"I know what to expect in the Tour. My experience competing in several professional tournaments such as the recent South Korean pro league has made me a more solid bowler."

Other bowlers competing in the Tour are defending champion Diandra Asbaty, Missy Bellinder, Carolyn Dorin Ballard, Joy Esterson, Michelle Feldman, Clara Guerrero, Brenda Mack, Adrienne Miller, Tennelle Milligan, Stefanie Nation, Shannon O'Keefe, Jen Petrick, Shannon Pluhowsky, Trisha Reid and Jodi Woessne.

As a tune-up, Shalin will compete in the PBA World Championships in Wichita on Oct 19-26.

The world meet consists the top men and women bowlers, who will compete in one category.