Team captain and debutant Matthew David Chan was a cut above the rest, taking the gold medal with a commanding score of 1,309 pinfalls. Photo: SportSG/Dumrongsak Angsuworapruek
Moments before stepping up to the lanes, the captain of Team Singapore’s para ten-pin bowling team at the 13th ASEAN Para Games went looking for advice.
Matthew David Chan found it in a wise sage – teammate and newly-crowned men’s singles TPB1 champion, Kelvin Goh.
It proved to work a treat, as the 24-year-old debutant found himself a champion too at the end of the day, with a gold medal around his neck for winning the men’s singles TPB10.
His total of 1,309 pinfalls put him far ahead of the competition, finishing 134 pinfalls ahead of his closest competitor. Two Thais made up the rest of the podium, with Raiwin Phitsitthanakul taking silver (1,175), while Preecha Wetchkama was third (1,169).
Said Chan: “I talked to him (Goh) one-on-one, just to help me relax. He managed to say the right words and helped with my confidence quite a bit.”
Chan enjoyed a superb second game, during which his score of 280 gave him a strong lead. But a reality check came in the third of six overall games, when he posted 182 pinfalls.
He said: “After the third game, I took a step back and focused on controlling what I could: my routine, my shot execution, and my mindset.”
Even for someone who is typically confident of his bowling, a strong desire to win was starting to weigh on his shoulders.
“The nerves I felt were not really from other competitors. It stemmed mostly from the faith and responsibility of my family, friends and teammates; the need to do well,” said Chan, who added that calling his mother to hear her soothing voice is another tactic he employs to relax before a big competition.
“The nerves will always be there, mistakes always happen. It’s about how you recover from it,” he added.
Spoken like a team captain indeed, though Chan noted that he was spearheading a squad of more experienced teammates.
“My team has managed to make this task very easy for me due to their veteran knowledge and experience. I was really thankful as they helped ease a lot of pressure from me and I could focus on my games.
“This gold medal is a testament to the effort of my coach, the support from the Singapore National Paralympic Council, Singapore Disability Sports Council, Para Bowling Federation (Singapore), family and friends.”
Chan next has his sights set on the Para Bowling World Championships, which will also take place in Thailand. He plans to compete in able-bodied competitions in the near future.
The 13th ASEAN Para Games are held in Thailand from 20 to 26 January 2026. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.