Superb Rafiq rolls down silver in IBF World Cup

Rafiq Ismail

PETALING JAYA: National bowler Rafiq Ismail secured a silver medal in the IBF World Cup after losing to China’s Du Chaojian 1-2 in the final at the Kai Tak Sports Park on Friday (Jan 10).

The 27-year-old bowler, who fought hard to qualify for the top 32 on Thursday, was on fiery form in the knockout stage but he could not sustain until the end.

He won the first game albeit a tight one, beating Chaojian 223-222 but could not sustain his form, losing 166-226 in the second game. In the deciding game, he went down 193-235.

The singles medal is his first in the IBF World Cup after firing blanks at the previous edition in Gold Coast, Australia three years ago.