KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian national bowling squad got their Asian Championships campaign off to a flying start when they secured a clean sweep of medals in the men’s singles event today.
Asian number one kegler Rafiq Ismail lived up to his billing when he clinched his maiden singles gold at the Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl in Ratchayothin, Bangkok, after amassing a six-game total of 1,419 pinfalls, followed by Muhammad Hafiz Zainuddin (1,383) who took the silver, and Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek (1,370) who settled for bronze.
Speaking to Scoop, Rafiq, the 2018 men’s singles world champion, said he dedicated his win to his parents, particularly his dad Ismail Nimat, who is currently in the hospital.
According to Rafiq, his dad was first diagnosed with kidney issues but has since been in and out of the hospital with several medical conditions.
“I want to dedicate this win to my parents. My dad is in the hospital now, and my mum (Zaiton Abd Ghani) is looking after him. I hope this win will cheer them up a little.
“I am also very happy to step on the podium with two of my national teammates.
“This is my first Asian Championships singles gold, and I only have the doubles gold left to complete my collection,” said the 26-year-old.
Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary-general Maradona Chok could not be happier with the sensational start to this year’s Asian campaign.
“Rafiq once again showed that he is the man to beat in Asia as he stormed to the gold with a strong last game (278).
“As always, we fight to the end. Our men came here to defend the overall title. This is indeed a great start,” said Maradona, while explaining that Australia’s Jarrod Langford will share the silver medal with Hafiz due to the Australian squad’s status as an invite team.
The doubles event is scheduled for today and tomorrow.
Malaysia’s best haul at the Asian Championships was back in 2019 when they won six gold medals, one silver, and three bronzes. Last year, Malaysia won four golds, five silvers, and three bronzes. – September 18, 2024