MUAZ READY TO STRIKE
Kegler aims for top four finish in men’s singles at World Championships in Las Vegas
FABIAN PETER fabian.mark@nstp.com.my who won bronze in the World Cup, wants a top four finish at the end of the six-game roll-off today at the South Point Hotel Casino.
Only then, can the 24-year-old Kedahborn kegler qualify for the semi-finals.
Muaz said: "I am feeling confidence after my World Cup campaign in Mexico.
“This is my second appearance at the World Championships and I hope to better my previous mark of seventh in the men's singles in Abu Dhabi.
“My target is also to qualify for the semi-finals."
Muaz, however, will not have it easy, especially from teammates — Rafiq Ismail, Syafiq Ridhwan, Timmy Tan, Adrian Ang and Alex Liew — who have just completed their outing at the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour in Reno, Nevada, last week.
“The others have been doing really well, especially at the recent PBA Tour. Anything can happen, so I want to give my best, and reduce the mistakes.
“However, having said that, the conditions in Reno were different, so we each have got a good chance of making it here. Everyone knows the oiling at the world meet is one of the toughest," added Muaz, who also eyes a medal in the men's team event.
National women bowlers Shalin Zulkifli, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman, Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi, Esther Cheah, Sin Li Jane and Natasha Roslan rolled off in the women's singles yesterday. round, Selangor made a wobbling start with a 1-1 draw against Melaka, beat Armed Forces 2-1 and crushed Johor 5-1 to finish top of Group B on seven points.
Selangor coach Ikmal Abdul Jabar wants his players to produce the same kind of performance that shattered Kuala Lumpur’s hopes when they go up against Pahang.
“We are aware of Pahang’s strength. They are a ‘complete side’ right from the goalkeeper to the forward line. I might make some changes to the side and adopt a new strategy to counter Pahang,” added Ikmal.
Pahang coach Benedict Arrais said he respects all the teams that competed in the tournament and credited Selangor as “being one of the tougher opposition.