It has been a remarkable journey for Malaysia’s 19-year-old bowler Rafiq Ismail who nearly did not make the trip to Hong Kong – this year’s venue for the men’s World Championships.
The team nearly did not make it to the world meet and even contemplated not taking part due to funding issues until the National Sports Council (NSC) stepped in to assure that there is a budget for Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress’ (MTBC) last major assignment this year.
The gold medal in Hong Kong on Saturday means a lot for Rafiq who also won a gold medal in the Asian Games in Indonesia in August.
He defeated Canada’s Dan Maclelland quite comfortably 217-204 by keeping his cool and patience in check but he had a tough, tough encounter in the semi-finals where he narrowly edged America Kyle Troup 171-170.
The win ended Malaysia’s four-decade wait, 39 years to be exact. The last time Malaysia won a gold in the Men’s World Championships was in 1979 when J.B. Koo, Allan Hooi, and Edward Lim took the trios title in Manila.
For Rafiq, it is indeed a fairy tale ending in Hong Kong.
“I am delighted with my success in Hong Kong. This is my first medal in the World Championships and it is a gold,” said Rafiq after receiving in his prize. RIZAL ABDULLAH
