KUALA LUMPUR: National men’s tenpin bowling player Muhammad Rafiq Ismail won the singles event of the 2018 World Bowling Men’s Championship in Hong Kong tonight.
The victory has made Muhammad Rafiq the first national athlete to win a gold medal in the tournament since 1979.
The 19-year-old, who is also the Asian Games gold medallist, defeated Canada’s Dan MacLelland 217-204 in the final.
Earlier, Muhammad Rafiq had encountered a gruelling and nerve wrecking semi-final tie against the US’ Kyle Troup before emerging victorious by a single pinfall, 171-170.
For the record, Malaysia last won a gold medal at the World Bowling Men’s Championship in 1979 in the trios event through Allan Hooi, Edward Lim and JB Koo.