Megat well on his way to emulating his idol and world champion Rafiq
PETALING JAYA: At just 21, Rafiq Ismail is already an idol to many budding young bowlers in the country.
And one of them looking up to the newly-minted world champion is Megat Zaqrul Haiqal.
Megat is taking the first step towards emulating Rafiq when he captured the boys’ Under-15 title in the Milo Storm U22 International Junior All-Stars at the Sunway Mega Lanes yesterday.
Megat posted an impressive eight-game total of 1,773 to win by 54 pins from second-placed Brandon Bohn (1,719), the son of American legend Parker Bohn III.
Last year’s winner Azriq Izam settled for third with 1,689 pinfalls.
“This is the first time I won on the international stage, so it means a lot to me,” said Megat, who represent the Penang state team.
“Today’s victory is also very fulfilling because I came quite close to finish runner-up to Azriq last year.
“Besides making up for last year’s disappointment, I see this win as a big stepping stone in my career.
“I want to be as good as my idol Rafiq Ismail one day and make the country proud.
“He was also using the All-Stars as his launchpad to successful senior career. I still remembered fondly watching him in on TV beating an adult opponent to win The Masters (Open category) title in 2011.”
Megat reeled in lines of 268-191-223-212186-257-22-216 to beat 13-year-old Bohn, who’s the prestigious USBC (United States
Bowling Congress) Championships Under-12 winner last year, in a thrilling head-to-head duel.
“It was a great battle against him (Bohn). He was leading up to the seventh game before I overtook him in the last game,” said Megat.
“I’m pumped up after the win. Now I’m trying to qualify for the boys’ Open (Under-21)
category this weekend too.”
Megat now joined the illustrious list of past boys’ Under-15 winners that included World Championships gold medal-winning duo – Michael Mak of Hong Kong and Choi Bok-eum of South Korea.
Rafiq was a one-time podium finisher in the category when he finished third in the 2010 edition.
The tournament will resume with the qualifications for the boys and girls’ Open events and “The Masters.” The finals will be held on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
The Masters champion will pocket RM40,000. The boys’ Open winner will receive RM25,000 while the winner of the girls’ Open will get RM18,000.