Bowler Rafiq out to make amends in BEC

PETALING JAYA: National bowler Rafiq Ismail is hoping that third time’s the charm when he competes in the Brunswick Euro Challenge (BEC) in Munich, Germany, from March 1018.

His visit to Europe last month ended with a double heartbreak.

The 20yearold missed out on two title playoffs at the AIK International Tournament in Stockholm, Sweden, and the Brunswick Ballmaster Open in Helsinki, Finland.

Rafiq missed the top three stepladder finals cut and settled for fourth spot in Sweden and fifth in Finland.

“I couldn’t believe how unlucky I was in those two tournaments,” said Rafiq, the 2016 World Singles Championships silver medallist.

“I’ve never missed the stepladder finals like that before, backtoback on top of it. But it’s already in the past and I won’t dwell on it.

“There’s a chance for me to make amends at the Brunswick Euro Challenge.

“Hopefully, with a little bit of luck this time, I’ll do better. I’ve won a number of times in Asia but I’m still seeking a breakthrough in Europe.”

Having failed to qualify for the tournament proper, Rafiq is pumped up to make his presence felt in the Platinumrated (highest tier) tournament of the European Bowling Tour (EBT).

“It’s my second BEC. I missed it in 2015 because I was in Macau for the Asian Youth Championships. I could not go in 2016 because it clashed with the Interstate and National Championships,” he recalled.

“It’s exciting to bowl in the BEC because it’s the biggest tournament in Europe and I can’t wait to take on the world’s best players there.”

Rafiq aims to emulate teammates Sin Li Jane, Alex Liew and Adrian Ang as the EBT champions.