KUALA LUMPUR: Even after a breakthrough year in 2023 that saw Syazirol Shamsuddin crowned as the national champion, he isn't convinced that he has secured a permanent place among the top six bowlers in the national men's squad.
The 24-year-old believes there's still much to be accomplished if he is to reach the level of seniors such as Rafiq Ismail, Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam, Timmy Tan, Ahmad Muaz Fishol, and Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek.
Therefore, Syazirol aims to make an impression by successfully defending his title at the Sonic International Classic in Singapore.
The tournament begins tomorrow at Sonic Bowl @ Safra Yishun, where Syazirol had the honour of being the inaugural champion in last year's edition.
"I'm genuinely thrilled for this week's event, as it's the first time I'll be entering a tournament as the defending champion," said Syazirol, who was promoted to the Podium squad from the national youth team.
"I anticipate a strong field, but I'm confident in my ability to repeat my success as long as I can deliver my best performance.
"Whether I'm the defending champion or not, there's always pressure to perform. I choose to see it as motivation rather than solely focusing on retaining the title or securing a podium finish."
Syazirol said his primary objective for the year is to secure a spot on the six-man team for the Asian Championships, the sole major event of this year, scheduled to take place in Bangkok in September.
His ultimate aim is to surpass his performance from his debut in Hong Kong last January, where he clinched three medals.
Syazirol was a member of the Malaysian team that secured their first team title in 15 years, in addition to earning silver in the doubles and bronze in the trios.
"The Asian Championships will certainly be the highlight of the year, and I'm determined to be a part of it. Should I make the squad, my goal is to exceed my medal tally from last year," Syazirol affirmed.
Since the retirement of Alex Liew and Adrian Ang, their voids have yet to be filled. Rafiq, Timmy, Muaz, Syafiq and Hakim are regarded as the "core five" of the team.
Syazirol aims to impress the coaches, who are also evaluating potential successors like Nevern Netaneel, Hafiz Zainuddin and Ahmad Azriq Izamudin.
The MTBC will send 25 bowlers to Singapore, consisting of seven men and 10 women from the Podium squad, along with eight members from the national youth team, including four boys and four girls.
It will serve as a warm-up tournament for the bowlers ahead of next week's Malaysian Open.