SYAFIQ Ridhwan Abd Malek completed a collection of world titles for Malaysian bowling when he won the 2012 AMF World Cup in Wroclaw, Poland.
The 28-year-old returns to Wroclaw on Tuesday with the intention of regaining the title. He will be accompanied by Sin Li Jane, who will compete in the women’s division.
Syafiq and Li Jane will also be hoping to regain the Bent Petersen Cup for the best combined efforts (men and women events), last won in 2012.
Syafiq did not get to defend his title in Russia last year after he decided to play in the Malaysian International Open, which was held at the same time.
Despite not winning a title since the 2013 National Championships, Syafiq has grown into a confident bowler and his presence in Wroclaw will definitely strike fear.
“Wroclaw brought me wonderful memories in 2012. I was the happiest person that year. I hope my return will inspire me to make an impression in the World Cup,” said Syafiq yesterday.
“Of course, everyone wants to win the World Cup. It will not be easy as in bowling everything depends on your performance on competition day.”
Syafiq, a winner of two silver medals (trios and team) at the recent Incheon Asian Games, was overweight when he joined the national team before coach Holloway Cheah advised him to lose the excess baggage.
The former Taiwan Open champion followed a strict regime of cycling, jogging and dieting, and eventually lost 17 kilos before his win at the World Cup in 2012.
“As a bowler, I am more matured but of course, there are areas I still need to work on. We will leave on Saturday and assistant coach Ben Heng will accompany us,” Syafiq added.
A total of 158 bowlers (86 men and 72 women) from 88 countries will compete for honours in one of bowling’s oldest tournaments. By Ajitpal Singh