NATASHA Roslan is just rolling on and on after topping the qualifying rounds of the bowling World Cup.
The 23-year-old has been enjoying an excellent World Cup debut as she stayed solid throughout the four days of qualifying at the Jakabaring Sports City in Palembang.
Having led the field from the first three days, the Selangor-born capped off the qualifiers with a score of 5,016 pinfalls to top the leaderboard after 24 games yesterday.
American veteran Kelly Kulick is not far behind with a score of 4,958 while Russia’s Maria Koshel and two-time winner Aumi Guerra of the Dominican Republic were both a rung back with identical scores of 4,896.
But it was truly a memorable moment for Natasha as her consistency proved to be the key despite not putting up outstanding high scores compared to her rivals.
The 2016 World Youth Masters winner put up lines of 203-205-212-201-192-235 with her 24th game being her best score over four days.
“It was really a 50-50 shot to top the standings. But I knew I could be there as I was quite consistent from the first day,” said Natasha.
“It wasn’t easy to maintain this consistency over four days especially when I have to bowl 24 games against so many world class bowlers.
“But in this competition format, it’s consistency rather than high scores that is the key to success.
“And I’m in quite high spirits knowing that scores will be carried forward into the next round. I can’t afford to slack off and I will continue to focus and give it my best shot,” added Natasha.
Meanwhile in the men’s competition, veteran Adrian Ang could finally afford to smile a little after putting up his best showing over four days to place 16th and make the top 24 cut.
Having started the day in 23rd spot, the 31-year-old stepped up when it mattered to finish with a total of 4,865 pinfalls.
“It was do or die for me and I had two much needed big scores in the 22nd and 23rd game,” said Adrian.
“But I’m not feeling too relieved just yet. I need to keep this up and keep charging in the second round.
South Africa’s Francois Louw topped the qualifying with 5,520 followed by Germany’s Oliver Morig (5,332) and South Korea’s Lee Wan-hee (5,155).
The top 24 qualifiers will next bowl another eight games to determine the top eight for the quarter-finals.