Muaz and Siti Safiyah face Mexico test ahead of world meet

KUALA LUMPUR: Bowlers Ahmad Muaz Fishol and Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman have been handed another major assignment prior to the World Championships in Las Vegas, United States, from Nov 24-Dec 6.

The duo have been selected to compete in the 54th Qubica AMF World Cup in Hermosilo, Mexico, from Nov 4-12.

In Shanghai last year, Malaysia were represented by Rafiq Ismail and Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi.

Syaidatul finished a creditable third and Rafiq ninth.

This time, Muaz will be making his debut while Siti Safiyah will be making her fourth start, having finished in the top 10 in her last three appearances.

Siti Safiyah’s best achievement was a third placing when Malaysia hosted the prestigious meet in Melaka in 2009. She finished 10th in her debut in 2006 in Caracas, Venezuela, and eighth in Las Vegas two years ago.

Siti Safiyah, who created history by becoming the first Malaysian to win on the US Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour in June, will be trying to end Malaysia’s winless run in women’s event.

Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek clinched the country’s first-ever victory when he captured the men’s crown in 2012 in Wroclaw, Poland.

Having played in three editions, Siti Safiyah knows how tough it is to lift the World Cup.

“I’m targeting a podium finish although I know I’m capable of doing better,” said Siti Safiyah, who won the team gold and bronze in trios at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in August.

“The World Cup is one of the toughest competitions to win. You need to be on top of your game right from the start.

“I’ve learned from my experiences that every pinfall makes a difference because the pinfalls are carried forward.”

Muaz, meanwhile, is eager to redeem himself after missing out on the one-month playing stint in the US PBA Tour.

Only the five Podium Programme trainees – Alex Liew, Adrian Ang, Rafiq, Timmy Tan and Syafiq – got to play in the three-tournament series – the US Open, World Series of Bowling IX and PBA World Championships – from Oct 25-Nov 19.

“I was disappointed at not joining the boys in the US,” said Muaz.

“Still, I’m grateful at being selected to play in the world meet and make my World Cup debut.

“Hopefully a strong outing in both these tournaments will see me make the Podium Programme next year.”

The other five women bowlers bound for the world meet in Las Vegas are Shalin Zulkifli, Sin Li Jane, Esther Cheah, Syaidatul and Natasha Roslan.