KUALA LUMPUR: The national keglers will begin their quest to reclaim glory when the World Championships begin with the singles competitions in Salmiya, Kuwait, tomorrow.
It has been five years since Rafiq Ismail, Adrian Ang, and Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam emerged as world champions in Hong Kong. Back then, Rafiq secured the men's singles title, while Tun Hakim paired with the now-retired Adrian to clinch gold in men's doubles.
On the women's front, they have yet to replicate their success since Shalin Zulkifli, Esther Cheah, Sin Li Jane, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman, Natasha Roslan and Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi triumphed in the team event in Las Vegas in 2017.
Can Rafiq and Co finally end this dry spell as they compete against 22 nations for the eight gold medals at stake?
The men's squad also feature Hakim, Timmy Tan, Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek, Ahmad Muaz Fishol, and Syazirol Shamsuddin.
On the women's side, the lineup include Esther, Li Jane, Siti, Natasha, Nora Lyana Nastasia Norkamal, and Gillian Lim.
There is optimism as the team had performed exceptionally well at the Asian Championships in Hong Kong in January. They clinched an impressive haul of 12 medals, with four gold in the men's competition alone.
"The bowlers are high on confidence after a very successful Asian Championship campaign, particularly our men's squad. I'm confident that our women, who have consistently been strong contenders, will shine once more. Four members from the victorious 2017 team still form the core of the current squad," said Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress secretary general Maradona Chok.
While this year's World Championships will see the notable absence of several top nations, including the United States, Sweden, Finland, England and Australia, Maradona believes that the tournament in Kuwait still offers a fierce and high-quality competition.
"The field remains incredibly strong, even with the USA and Sweden as notable absentees," Maradona observed.
"We have a total of 17 Asian teams participating, and each is eager to make their mark, especially after the sport's exclusion from the ongoing Asian Games.
"Therefore, our bowlers must be at their absolute best if they aim to contend for podium positions in every event. Since the major revamp of the World Championships in 2021, it's no longer a straightforward battle.
"The demanding format ensures that bowlers are constantly challenged. Every game, or rather match, is more pivotal than ever."