Rafiq’s dream to go on PBA Tour in the US takes a backseat.
PETALING JAYA: National bowler Rafiq Ismail’s (pic) dream to strike it right in the professional league in United States is on hold for the time being.
The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) have been forced to exclude tournament stints in the United States from their schedule this year due to budget constraint.
It was tough for Rafiq to accept the decision as he did quite well in his debut in the Professional Bowling Association (PBA) Tour last year.
“My dream is to play there, and now, I’ve to postpone it. I want to play professionally in the United States, but I do not have backers yet,” said the 21-year-old.
“I thought it could be achieved through MTBC, but since they have decided to exclude these tournaments due to budget constraints, I’ve to accept it.”
He was impressive in his first full season on the PBA Tour, claiming two top-three finishes to be shortlisted as the PBA Rookie of the Year last year.
With the US trip scrapped from his plan, Rafiq is waiting for MTBC to finalise his schedule for 2019.
The southpaw bowler said he was itching for action after taking a long break since returning from Hong Kong in December.
“I’m ready for action and will continue to do my best for the country,” he said.
The year 2018 proved to be a successful one for Rafiq as he won the men’s singles gold in the Men’s World Championship in Hong Kong. He also won the Masters gold medal in the Indonesia Asian Games in August.
MTBC secretary-general Maradona Chok admitted they have decided to skip both the PBA and Professional Women’s Bowling Association ( PWBA) Tours due to tight budget.
Instead, Maradona said they have included three European Bowling Tour (EBT) tournaments in their proposal to the National Sports Council (NSC).
They are the Brunswick Euro Challenge in Munich, Germany from March 16-24, San Marino Open from July 6-14 and Track Dream-Bowl Palace Open in Germany from July 13-21.
The team’s main assignments for this year are the Women’s World Championships in Las Vegas (Aug 22-30), Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships in Kuwait (Oct 20-30) and the Philippines SEA Games (Nov 30-Dec 10).