20th September, Kuala Lumpur: It all came down to the tenth frame as the two-game confrontation between TeamUSA's Diandra Hyman and Liza Clutario of the Philippines came to its conclusion. The Filipina bagged a one pin advantage in the first game, 206-205, but then ran into severe problems in the second to fourth frames of the second game with horrible splits. Hyman built up a 30-pin lead by the fifth frame and the top step of the champion's podium looked to be pretty well reserved.

But all was not lost for Clutario after all, three strikes in a row from the seventh frame brought her back into contention, then an eight-spare and a strike to finish set the target of 184.

Hyman struck in the ninth frame and only had to score a further nine to secure the gold medal. A strike and nine-spare for 206 sealed the issue.

The American had earned her place in the final by outpointing Lee Eun Ock of Korea in the opening match. Both players were off their game and a low scoring battle saw a final score of 189-147 in favour of Hyman. There were only five strikes in the game, three for Hyman and two for the Korean.

"Those lanes were not easy today," said the new champion. "There was a lot more backend and the break down was different with just the two of us playing. I lost my way for a while because the practice lanes were different to the match lanes." Hyman has been bowling competitively for 18 of her 23 tender years, introduced to the sport with the present of a new bowling ball by her grandmother when she showed an interest. Now those seeds have come to fruition.

"This gold medal means more to me than anything I have ever achieved in bowling," said Hyman. "It is unbelievable to win the World Championship Masters, both for myself and for my country. I would like to thank my coaches, especially Jeri Edwards, Brunswick and my mum and dad, who have given me so much support."

She denies that she has any aspirations to turn professional, "I love representing my country and being a member of TeamUSA."

For further information, please contact Media Director, Keith Hale at KEITHHALE679@aol.com , media@mtbc.org.my or via the World Championships Media Room Phone +60 37492 0902.