PETALING JAYA – Muhammad Rafiq Ismail rolled his way to his third men’s title in the National Bowling Championships 2022 at the Sunway Mega Lanes here today and immediately dedicated it to his father, who has not been well since January.
“This is the first time my dad is not at the venue to support me. Usually, he will be here but today only my mum is here.
“My father is undergoing dialysis treatment for a kidney ailment in hospital. It feels different that he is not here but I would like to dedicate this title to him,” the 2018 world champion told reporters after his triumph.
Muhammad Rafiq, who represented the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) Podium Squad, cemented his status as the county’s best male kegler with a superb performance from start to finish en route to claiming his third national title, following his 2015 and 2018 triumphs.
The 24-year-old was in red hot form in the men’s Open masters step-ladder final, amassing 214 points to finish 12 pins ahead of his nearest challenger, Penang’s Muhd Hariz Adlan Azman.
Muhammad Rafiq said he was pleased to walk away with the men’s Open crown today, especially since his preparation was thrown into disarray by having to care for his ailing father and having just recovered from Covid-19 himself.
“Initially, my preparation was a bit chaotic but it only strengthened my resolve to win the title and prove that every dark cloud has a silver lining,” he said.
Meanwhile, former national kegler Sharon Koh secured her fifth title to equal former bowling queen Shalin Zulkifli’s record as the most successful national women’s champion.
Professional bowler Sharon, who represented Putrajaya, collected 236 points to oust Sin Li Jane by 33 pins.
Sharon, who also won the national women’s title in 2005, 2008, 2015 and 2018, said her latest achievement had only fuelled her desire to defend the crown next year and, thus, be the most decorated women’s champion.
Although she lost today, Li Jane, who represented the MTBC Podium Squad, was still satisfied with her performance, having not competed in any tournaments for two and a half years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sharon’s last competitive outing was at the 2019 Manila SEA Games in the Philippines. – Bernama, March 13, 2022
