Shahrukh settles for silver as Syazwani bags bronze at World Youth C’ship
PETALING JAYA: Bowler Shahrukh Amin Zulkifli missed out on a glorious chance to become a world champion after falling short in his bid to win the boys’ Masters gold at the World Youth Championships in the United States.
The 18-year-old had to settle for silver after losing 0-2 (216-244, 198-247) to American Cortez Schenck in the final at the Thunderbowl Lanes in Detroit on Friday.
Earlier, Shahrukh had beaten Qatar’s Ghanim Aboujassoum 2-0 (225-190, 231-133) and then South Korea’s Han Jae-yeon 2-1 (202235, 279-210, 227-210) in the last four.
Despite the defeat, Shahrukh could not have asked for a better outing in the tournament.
After all, he didn’t even make the initial four-boy team.
Shahrukh came in as a last-minute replacement for Hafiz Zainuddin after the latter failed to obtain his travel visa.
“In the final, I wasn’t nervous at all. But I made some bad shots, and that cost me dearly,” said Shahrukh, who was roped into the national team in April.
“But there’s nothing to be disappointed about. From getting a late call-up to winning silver in my debut here... I just couldn’t believe my luck.
“This is my best achievement after winning the Masters event in Kuala Lumpur last December. There will be more to come from me. I’m not someone who’s easily content,” he said.
In the girls’ Masters, Nur Syazwani Sahar made it to the semi-finals before going down 0-2 (207-245, 241-246) to eventual champion Lee Jung-min of South Korea.
As the losing semi-finalist, she was awarded the bronze, making it her third medal in the tournament as she had bagged the all-events gold and girls’ team bronze.
With the two medals bagged by Shahrukh and Syazwani, the Malaysian team ended their campaign with a haul of one gold, one silver and two bronzes (1-1-2).
They finished fourth in the overall medal tally behind the US (2-2-1), Qatar (2-0-0) and South Korea (1-3-3).
Team manager Maradona Chok commended the team for their superb fightback having initially won nothing in the opening singles and doubles events.
“I’m so proud of this team for standing by one another through thick and thin, and never for once losing hope,” said the MTBC honorary-secretary.
“I couldn’t have asked for more from a team that has given everything they’ve got. We also have a true MVP (most valuable player) in Syazwani for delivering three medals.
“But let’s take nothing away from Shahrukh, too. Despite being included late, he turned out to be the best performer among the boys,” she said.