Gotta hand it to Zul
ZULMAZRAN Zulkifli ended a three-year title drought at the Thailand Open last week. What made the win special was the 33-year-old bowler switched to a two-handed throwing style which many said was a crazy idea. He shares with Starsport’s RAJES PAUL his s
Q: What made you switch to a new bowling style?
A: I pulled out from the 2015 Singapore SEA Games due to back and knee injuries. But honestly, injuries were not the real issue ... I’ve lost my confidence. During the three-month break, I thought about my next move. I knew that if I continued to bowl the way I did, I wouldn’t go anywhere. I discussed with my wife and family and decided to give the two-handed style a try. A friend of mine, Australia’s Jason Belmonte, has won numerous titles using both hands. They told me that it’s time to start a new chapter in my career.
Q: How did you cope initially?
A: Trust me, I struggled. After one training session, I called my wife and told her to draft my resignation letter for the national team. But my wife told me to persevere. She then tagged along to the bowling alley and started shooting videos of me playing. She analysed my style with that of Belmonte. She compared my movements, the ball speed and the angle of release. My wife is good in all this. She graduated as a mechanical engineer but works in the computer gaming industry. And thanks to her ... here I am with an Open title within 19 months. Our target was to see results within two years but I’ve achieved it earlier.
Q: How supportive was the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC)?
A: I was surprised with the positive response. I must thank Holloway Cheah (chief coach). He must have fought for me to stay in the national team. Any other coach would have given up on me. I told him that he was not obliged to keep me. Instead he supported me as he believed in me.
Q: What are the challenges during competitions?
A: I felt like a beginner in the first few tournaments. All my experience over the years did not count anymore. The first eight months was tough. People told me that I was mad to make a change at this stage of my career.
At the Thailand Open, I was on the verge of crashing out but fortunately, coach Ben Heng came to the rescue. I told him that I was nervous and didn’t know what to do. He took a video of my game and we analysed it. We saw the problem and focused on getting it right and I went on to bag the title.
Q: Has your recent success increased your chances of playing at the KL SEA Games in August?
A: To be honest, I’m not thinking of the SEA Games. Selection of the team is beyond my control. But the good news is that I know where I’m going ... I’ve now a clear vision and goal. I know what I want and I’m enjoying bowling now ... that’s important.
Q: What would your advice be to athletes caught in a rut?
A: I’m sure many athletes have gone though a similar path. They need to trust what their mind, heart and body is telling them. We’re so used to listening to others that we ignore ourselves. The best thing is to just go ahead and do it. We’ll never know our true potential if we don’t give it a shot.
Q: Who are your inspiration?
A: Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic is my all-time favourite. I’ve watched his interviews again and again. He is an inspiration because of his dedication to the sport. He could have stayed in Sweden and enjoy a comfortable life but he ventured out of his comfort zone. He does not care what others say as he really believes in himself.
Then, there is Roger Federer’s comeback victories this year. And just before leaving for the Thailand Open, I watched Sergio Garcia winning the US Masters. These guys never gave up despite their setbacks and I want to emulate their outlook towards the sport.
Q: What keeps you going?
A: With my new style, I’m just at 70% of what I’m capable of. I know I can improve further ... so that’s exciting. If an athlete does not have the drive to improve then they should quit. It’s all about mind over matter.