'That I have to accept being a face for Singapore bowling now, or even sports in general.

'If I can do that for Singapore sports, for now, to inspire others to try and beat the world in their own sports, then I'm also doing this 'other job' of being a world champion.'

Yeong-Nathan certainly surprised her own team-mates and sports officials, looking all made up, with her hair let down, instead of her usual 'tied-up' look, as she calls it.

She was at an appreciation gathering yesterday at Royal China@Raffles, in Raffles Hotel, where SingaporeBowling president Jessie Phua and guest-of-honour Teo Chee Hean - the Singapore National Olympic Council president - presented her with a cheque of $10,000 for her world-beating achievement.

The money came from SingaporeBowling's funds. The bowling section of Singapore Recreation Club also presented Yeong-Nathan with a cheque of $1,000, which it secured from its funds to recognise her world mark.

Yeong-Nathan also plays for SRC's youth inter-club team.

Phua told Yeong-Nathan: 'Here's some advice for you. Overnight, you will feel as if you've been turned into some kind of celebrity.

Pressure

'Your image, your reputation, and even fans can put pressure on you, making you feel as if you have to play like a world champ in every game.

'The emotions can overcome you easily. But your sports psychologist should help you adjust to this over the next two months.

'Don't worry though, I say, enjoy yourself, bask in the limelight, and spread that inspiration.

'Then, after two months, you'll have to remind yourself if you're a celebrity or a bowler. That should bring you back to earth.

'This is my mother hen advice to you, okay?'

Yeong-Nathan smiled.

Thank you, mother hen of bowling.

And thank you too, Miss World Champ, for inspiring Singapore sport.

This story was first published in The New Paper on Nov 27, 2008.