One Raf ride

Bowler bounces back to enter top 32 elimination round

PETALING JAYA: A roller-coaster ride that will be remembered for a long time.

That best describes national bowler Rafiq Ismail’s (pic) journey to the men’s singles top 32 elimination round in the IBF World Cup at the Suncity Tenpin Bowl in Queensland, Australia.

After losing five games and only winning two in the first block of Group D on Saturday, the 25-year-old was in a superb mood as he bounced back in style by winning six out of seven games yesterday.

And thanks to that feat, he finished fifth in Group D and checked into the elimination round.

When asked about his feelings, the chirpy Rafiq, said: “It was like a roller coaster. A crazy ride if you ask me. I will not forget this outing. One of the toughest in my career.

“Before the second block, I knew I had to win six games to stand a chance of getting to the next round. It wasn’t going to be easy but I had a plan. I just told myself to throw one shot at a time and not to rush any of them. To be honest, at this level, especially World Cup, it is not easy to win six out of seven.”

In the final 32, he will take on Puerto Rico’s Israel Hernadez, who finished fourth in Group A.

The knockout stage will be a different ball game as one requires great mental fortitude.

“I can’t rush, and can’t make mistakes. Physically and mentally, I have to be committed.”

Another national bowler Tun Ameerul Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam also qualified for the next round after finishing second in Group C.