Tun Hakim on the right lane after striking it big in HK
SEPANG: For Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam, the sky’s the limit after conquering the bowling world with his doubles partner Adrian Ang.
The 19-year-old kegler was grinning widely as he made his way to the arrival hall at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang yesterday to greet his father and friends.
Together with the seasoned Adrian, the World Championships debutant won the doubles event at the Men’s World Championships in Hong Kong last Sunday.
Speaking to reporters, the Perak boy said he was happy to be part of the team’s successful campaign but had jitters before taking part in the world championships.
“I was nervous. There were so many topclass bowlers in Hong Kong and I wondered if I could do well,” said Tun Hakim.
“But the moment I stepped on the lane, all that was gone. I just kept calm and believed in my bowling.
“My aim was to do my maximum best for the team. The lanes were tricky but I just wanted to bowl.”
A last-minute selection for the World Championships, Tun Hakim and his partner Adrian outfoxed favourites Andrew Anderson-EJ Tackett of the United States 433370 in the one-game elimination final at the South China Athletics Association Bowling Centre.
Malaysia led from start to finish with Tun Hakim posting a brilliant 228 score that included six strikes and five spares while Adrian chipped in with a 205 after mixing five strikes with three spares.
For Adrian, playing with Tun Hakim was a joy and called him an amazing anchor.
“He showed to the world he can do it at 19. As a second bowler, he was brilliant,” said Adrian.
“I’ve been in six World Championships and this is my first time winning a gold. I have to thank my partner.
“For us, the key was understanding each other’s game and not letting the atmosphere intimidate us. We constantly communicated and the coaches were right behind our backs.
“We knew the lanes were tricky. If we didn’t strike, we just made the best out of the situation. Just gave our all and hoped for the best.
“That best led us to a gold.”
Other bowlers Rafiq Ismail, Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek, Timmy Tan and Alex Liew were also greeted by their friends and family members at the airport.
Rafiq, who was greeted by his parents, left the airport to go to Sunway Mega Lanes to train for the Milo All-Stars championship.
“I have to train for the qualifying. For me, the gold will spur me to do well at the Mega Lanes,” said Rafiq, who won the singles event at the Men’s World Championships.