KUALA LUMPUR: Is the new "Rafiq Ismail" about to emerge?
Southpaw Ethan Damien Goh, at just 14 years old, lived up to his reputation as the next big thing in Malaysian bowling when he won the boys' Open title in the Malaysia Open at Sunway Mega Lanes over the weekend.
The Sarawak-born prodigy, a member of the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress' Special Squad, outperformed his older competitors to win the eight-game contest with a total pinfall of 1,732.
His triumph came with a comfortable lead of 49 pins over Australia's Blake Walsh, 19, who recorded 1,683.
Fellow Sarawakian and member of the national youth squad, Tsen Fan Yew, 20, came in third with 1,679.
Ethan won RM8,000 for his effort. "I'm really happy to have won this title as it's my biggest achievement yet," said Ethan.
"I wasn't aiming high for the finals since I was struggling during the qualifying campaign. In fact, I barely made the cut.
"A change of balls and adjusting my positioning made all the difference today. I was able to bowl confidently, which ultimately led to my success.
"This win has boosted my confidence, and now I aim to qualify for the men's Open next week and strive to make an impact there too."
Ethan's ability to win a major event at such a young age is reminiscent of Rafiq's achievements when he was the same age.
Like Ethan, Rafiq, who had conquered the world and Asia, was a member of the highly successful Special Squad overseen by then-national head coach Holloway Cheah back in 2011.
Though retired, Holloway is currently involved in managing the Special Squad after its revival last year.
"I have improved significantly under Sir Holloway's guidance, both in technique and mentally. I feel blessed to be training under him, as he has helped many bowlers, including Rafiq, fulfill their potential," said Ethan.
"I've always looked up to Rafiq, and I definitely aspire to follow in his footsteps one day. But for now, I'm focused on my own journey and want to progress at my own pace.
"Hopefully, in three years' time, I'll earn a spot on the national team. My ultimate goal is to play professionally on the US PBA Tour."
Ethan first caught the attention of many about two years ago when he achieved a clean sweep of all age group titles, including Under-23, at the Brunswick Youth Challenge.
The girls' Open title went to national youth team member Nur Hazirah Ramli, who retained her crown after posting a 1,719 total. Hazel Tan of Singapore (1,686) and Perak's Noratiqah Syauqina (1,618) came in second and third respectively.