Gillian makes history as PWBA Rookie of Year
KUCHING (Aug 11): The Sarawak bowling fraternity is beaming with pride as local sensation Gillian Lim has etched her name in sports history by winning the 2025 Professional Women's Bowling Association (PWBA) Rookie of the Year Award. She is the first Malaysian to be awarded this prestigious global accolade.
Gillian finished as the standout rookie of the season for leading all rookies in PWBA ranking points, earnings and top-12 tournament finishes. The 26-year-old amassed 37,230 points far ahead of Canadian Jade Cote (23,615) and American Kirsten Moore (17,645) to establish herself as one of the brightest new talents on the world stage.
Her debut season in the pro circuit was marked by consistent and world-class performances across major tournaments in the US including the PWBA Go Bowling Topeka Open, USBC Queens, PWBA Summer Series – Cleveland, PWBA Bowlers Journal Waterloo Open, US Women's Open and PWBA Tour Championship Week.
Only four bowlers from outside the US have received this annual top rookie award. Gillian as the first Malaysian to join this elite list helps to cast a global spotlight on Sarawak's bowling excellence.
Born and raised in Miri, Gillian's love for bowling began at just eight years old while studying at SK St Joseph and SMK St Joseph Miri.
She graduated from Sunway College and became a rising star in the Amateur Bowling (Tenpin) Association of Sarawak (ABAS) ranks, representing the state in Sukma and other national championships.
Her national career took off when she joined the national youth team in 2008. She was promoted to the Podium Programme in 2020 where she continued to shine as a core member of the Malaysian national team.
'This is not just my win — it's a win for Sarawak and Malaysia. I hope my journey inspires young bowlers back home to dream big and work hard, because nothing is impossible,' she told ABAS in an interview.
Sarawak officials view Gillian's latest triumph as the result of long years of discipline, determination and unwavering passion for the sport.
She stands as proof that local athletes have the talent, spirit and resilience to make their mark on the global stage. bowling Gillian Lim Siew Giok Rookie of the Year
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