Megat can’t let it roll as it’s time to hit the books

PETALING JAYA: Bowling will take a backseat for Megat Zaqrul Haiqal Megat Zairudin as he focuses on his last semester of pre-university in the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS).

The 18-year-old Megat has cut down on his commitments in the national squad to concentrate on his studies after his disappointing outing in the Storm Junior All-stars Bowling Championships last month.

Megat admitted that he had to deal with a hectic schedule, juggling bowling and studies.

“Right now, I’ll focus on studying since I’m in the last semester of pre-university,” said the management student.

“But I’ll still go for training sessions unless I’m not feeling well as my first tournament will be the Malaysian Open in May.

“I’ll start my day with a gym session at 7am before going to school, which starts at 9.30am and ends at 2.30pm.

“I’ll be at the Sunway Megalanes to train from 4.30pm to 6.30pm before going home for dinner.

“My only free time during weekdays is at night and I find it tiring sometimes.”

Last year was a fruitful season for Megat but he was disappointed that it did not end the way he hoped.

The home tourney was his last tournament of the year but Megat did not perform well enough to defend the boys’ open title.

Megat targeted a podium finish but he only managed to finish seventh in the boys’ open category and 10th in the Gen-z Under-25.

“My overall performance was good as I didn’t come home emptyhanded from every tournament that I participated in but I was not satisfied with my All-star outing.

“It was the last tournament for 2022 so I wanted to end it on a high note.

“I captured the boys’ open title in 2021 but there were no international bowlers back then.

“I aimed to finish top three in one of the two events that I competed in and hoped to challenge myself in last year’s edition but I couldn’t make it.”