ZULMAZRAN Zulkifli, who finished third in the recent AMF World Cup, and Alex Liew are good enough to turn professional but will need to secure their own sponsors to realise their dream of competing in the United States pro tour.

National coach Holloway Cheah said Zulmazran and Alex have the technical and mental abilities to survive in the US.

"It will be better if they compete overseas as the exposure will make them better bowlers. However, they will need to secure their own sponsors to make it happen," said Holloway yesterday.

"The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) does not sponsor bowlers who want to turn pro. Shalin Zulkifli is competing in the US because she has a sponsor."

Zulmazran has been devastating in tournaments this year, capturing his first Malaysian Open title in March and then finishing second and third in the World Ranking Masters (May) and the recent AMF World Cup, respectively.
Alex led Malaysia to the team gold at the Asian Championships (July) and also nailed the Indonesia Open (Oct).

Meanwhile, Holloway confirmed that Muhd Nur Aiman, Syafiq Ridhwan, Sin Li Jane and Nur Syakirah Yeoh are being considered for the senior team next year.

"Some seniors have failed to perform but I will need to discuss with the coaching committee before making a decision.

"The four juniors are strong bowlers but I need to look at them in a few more tournaments," he added.

The four juniors will be competing in next week's 4th Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Championships in Belfast, Northern Ireland.