Malaysia's Adelia Nur Irwan Syazalee won women's singles silver at the IBF 2025 World Championships in Hong Kong. Her silver was one of four Malaysian medals at the event, which ran from 24 November to 5 December 2025 at Top Bowl, Kai Tak Sports Park.
Adelia Nur's run to the 2025 World Championships final
Adelia came through the group stage and then beat Singapore's Shayna Ng Lin Zhi 2-1 in the semi-final. In the final on 27 November, however, Finland's Essi Pakarinen proved too strong. Pakarinen won 217-191 and 214-169 for a 2-0 result.
Even so, a world singles medal is a big result for a youth bowler. Adelia went on to win two golds at the World Youth Championships in Kuching in 2026, so the Hong Kong run looks like the start of something.
Malaysia's medals in Hong Kong
| Event | Medal | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Women's singles | Silver | Adelia Nur lost 0-2 to Essi Pakarinen (FIN) |
| Women's team | Silver | Beat Japan 2-0 in the semi-final, lost 1-2 to USA |
| Men's doubles | Bronze | Syazirol Shamsudin, Rafiq Ismail |
| Women's overall federation standing | Bronze | Combined women's results |
The women's team topped Round 2 and then beat Japan 2-0. In the final at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, though, the USA won 2-1. MTBC did not list the team line-up in its report, so we have left the names out here.
In the men's draw, Rafiq Ismail and Syazirol Shamsudin reached the doubles semi-finals for bronze. Four Malaysian men reached Round 2 of the singles, but none made the semi-finals. Also, the men's team did not get past qualifying, MTBC said.
Not the World Cup
Some online summaries say Malaysia's men won team gold in Hong Kong. That mixes up two events. The men's team gold came at the IBF World Cup in January 2025, not at these World Championships.
What it means and what's next
The 2025 World Championships confirmed that Malaysia's women can win medals at world level in both singles and team play. In addition, it came only weeks before the SEA Games in Bangkok, where Malaysia topped the bowling table.
Next, the national squad is at the 2026 IBF World Cup in Munich, which runs until 21 October. Follow the dates on our competitions calendar, read the latest Malaysian bowling news, or meet the squad on the athletes page.
Frequently asked questions
Who beat Adelia Nur in the 2025 World Championships final?
Essi Pakarinen of Finland won the women's singles final 2-0, by 217-191 and 214-169, on 27 November 2025.
How many medals did Malaysia win in Hong Kong?
Four, according to MTBC: women's singles silver, women's team silver, men's doubles bronze and bronze in the women's overall federation standing.
Did Malaysia's men win the team event?
No. MTBC says the men's team did not get past qualifying. Malaysia's famous men's team gold came at the IBF World Cup in January 2025, which is a different event.
Where were the 2025 World Championships held?
At Top Bowl, Kai Tak Sports Park, in Kowloon, Hong Kong. The trios and team finals moved to Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai.
