KUALA LUMPUR: Bowler Ahmad Azriq Izamudin's reputation will be on the line in the International Junior All-Stars Championships from Dec 9-15 at the Sunway Mega Lanes in Subang.
The 20-year-old is the only member of the national Podium squad that will compete in the boys' Open, where only those aged 21 and under are eligible.
Azriq can expect stiff competition from his teammates in the national youth squad like Malaysia Open youth champion Danial Abu Samah, national youth champion Megat Zaqrul Haiqal Megat Zairudin, and Hariz Adlan Azman, a triple medallist at this year's Asian Youth Championships.
The boys' Open title comes with a RM25,000 reward, the highest offered for a youth competition in Asia, and Azriq clearly knows what's at stake.
It's no wonder why the iconic International Junior All-Stars, staged for the 23rd edition this year, continues to attract some of the best international youth talent, with more than 700 competitors from 14 countries having signed up to date.
Azriq tasted success in the tournament previously, in 2019, when he was just 16, and he's seeking to become only the third player after Adrian Ang (2003, 2007, 2008) and Hong Kong's Wu Siu Hong (2000, 2001) to win the boys' Open multiple times.
Azriq is thrilled with the prospects of competing in a youth-level tournament, something rare after being promoted to the podium team this year.
"The All-Stars has always been one of the biggest tournaments that I look forward to each year. It gathers the best Under-21 bowlers from around the world, so for me, this is a very good tournament to test your ability," said Azriq.
"Having said that, I definitely want to try to win it for the second time. There aren't many bowlers who have managed that.
"I still remember vividly that impactful victory four years ago. It did my confidence a whole world of good, and it earned me a call-up to the national youth team the following year."
"I've been throwing good shots during training. As long as I keep a strong mental game, I believe I stand a good chance in the All-Stars,"
added Azriq.