PETALING JAYA: Shirley Chow, the former national bowler who brought Malaysian tenpin to the forefront of the country's sporting landscape and later guided a new generation of talents, has died. She was 76.

Shirley, Malaysia's Sportswoman of the Year in 1979 and an Asian Games gold medallist, passed away in Ipoh on Monday (Nov 2) following an illness.

Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary-general Maradona Chok described her as "a legend who paved the way for Malaysia's bowling future".

"It is a great loss to Malaysian bowling. By becoming the first bowler to win the Sportswoman of the Year award, she brought bowling to the forefront of Malaysian sports," said Maradona.

"She continued to coach even after retirement and has touched so many young bowlers' lives over the years. She will be greatly missed."

Among Shirley’s career highlights was the women's trios gold medal at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games, where she teamed up with Lydia Kwah and Datuk Shalin Zulkifli.

In a statement, the MTBC paid tribute to Shirley as a respected figure in Malaysian bowling who contributed to the sport as an athlete and a coach.

"Her dedication, passion and commitment to bowling will be fondly remembered by the Malaysian bowling fraternity and all those whose lives she touched throughout her journey in the sport," they said.

"Her passing is a great loss to the bowling community. Her contributions to Malaysian bowling and the legacy she leaves behind will continue to be remembered by generations of bowlers."

The MTBC extended their condolences to her family, loved ones, former teammates, students and all who knew her.