KUALA LUMPUR — Despite a slow start to his World Cup campaign in Hong Kong, national bowler Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam has vowed to step up his performance in Thursday’s second block to secure a spot in the next round of the men’s singles event.
The former world doubles champion is determined to win all seven games in the next block to finish in the top four of Group A1.
In the first block yesterday, Tun Hakim managed only two wins from the six-game matchplay format, placing 11th overall in his group. Only the top four bowlers from each of the four groups, after a total of 13 games, will progress to the second round.
“It was quite challenging because the oil pattern was low in ratio, and everyone else bowled really well. I also struggled a bit with the new format.
“Hopefully, I’ll perform better and win all my games tomorrow,” said Tun Hakim.
In Group C2, Asia’s number one bowler, Rafiq Ismail, lived up to expectations, winning five of his six games to secure second place in his group after the first block.
“Overall, I’m satisfied with my performance, although I slacked off and lost one game. There are still seven more games to go, and I hope to maintain this momentum,” said Rafiq.
The Bowling World Cup also features doubles events for both men and women, as well as team and mixed team competitions.
The last Malaysian bowler to win the World Cup, then called the QubicaAMF World Cup, was Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek back in 2012. — January 8, 2025