The Malaysian bowlers came up short in their ambitious bid to sweep the men and women's team titles at the Sea Games as they had to settle for silver in both events yesterday.
Despite coming out tops at the halfway stage, Malaysia's challenge fizzled out on the final day at the Royal City Heroworld Bowling Centre and were overtaken at the top by the Philippines and Singapore in the respective men and women's contests.
The quartet of Shahrukh Amin Zulkifli, Nevern Netaneel, Syazirol Shamsuddin and Hafiz Zainuddin surrendered the title won by their seniors in 2019 after ending their campaign with a 5,162 total, 113 pins adrift Philippines (5,275).
Revenge was certainly sweet for the Philippines as they were able to get the better of Malaysia after being pipped to the gold in Manila by just 43 pins.
The bronze went to Singapore after they signed for a 4,963 total.
Nevern said: "We are not disappointed as we gave our all in the event.
"We are debutants, so it was tough to adapt to the pressure. However, everyone has earned a medal, so we are pleased with the outcome," said Navern.
As for the women, the power-packed Singapore foursome of Daphne Tan, New Hui Fen, Cherie Tan and Bernice Lim defended their gold after staging a second-block comeback to climb from third to the summit.
They chalked up a 5,049 total to beat Malaysia's Nur Syazwani Sahar, Nerosha Keligit, Gillian Lim and Nora Lyana Nastasia Norkamal (4,951). Indonesia completed the podium cast with 4,843.
With that, Malaysia ended their campaign with two silver and one bronze.