Nothing but bowling for Syafiq now after cycling crash
PETALING JAYA: National bowler Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek (pic) used to be an avid cyclist.
The 29-year-old would spend his weekends riding for over 100km and he sometimes even took part in amateur races.
But that’s all in the past now for the 2012 World Cup champion, following a minor road accident in early March.
Then, Syafiq fell from the bike and broke his right collar bone. The injury ruled him out for three months and it wasn’t until June that he was able to return to the alley.
“I’ve given up on cycling completely now,” said the three-time Asian Games silver medallist.
“Being out for three months was enough to make me realise a lot of things, The accident was a wake-up call.
“Since then, I have become more cautious about taking risks now. I can’t afford to get injured because of my hobby.
“I know my priority now. Bowling is my career. I won’t take any unnecessary risks that could jeopardise my career from now on.”
Syafiq’s first competitive appearance at the Singapore Open in June ended disastrously when he did not even make the cut for the finals.
In July, he struggled to impress at the Track Open in Germany, finishing in 41st place. But he found his feet though with an improved 21st placing at the San Marino Open.
“It has taken me quite a while to regain my form, strength and everything else ... that’s very common when you’ve been out of action for so long,” explained Syafiq.
“I can bowl comfortably now. Hopefully I’ll be able to make up for lost time in the last quarter of the year.”
But first, Syafiq will be hoping that his performance in the on-going selection roll-off is enough to make the six-man squad for the Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships in Hong Kong from Sept 18-28.
Syafiq is eyeing his third appearance at the championships, having won the trios’ gold in Abu Dhabi in 2011 and doubles’ bronze in 2012.
The roll-off, which started on Aug 17, will conclude today and the final six-member men and women’s teams are expected to be known latest by Friday.