Rafiq made 257 pinfalls in the first game to beat his Australian challenger Callum Borck who downed 208 pins in the tie held at Spare Time Trussville.

Rafiq then made 257 pinfalls in the second game against Callum’s 212 pinfalls to advance to the next round (“best-of-16”).

Another national men’s representative, Timmy Tan also advanced to the next stage after beating South African bowler Jivi Sewchuran.

Timmy trailed in the first game after making 200 pinfalls while Jivi posted 218 pinfalls.

The national player then bounced back in the second game to win 196-189 before winning 224-173 in the decider.

Meanwhile, national women’s bowler Sin Li Jane also lived up to expectations to advance to the next stage after beating South Korea’s Kim Hyun-mi.

Li Jane lost the first game 172-226 before winning 246-195 in the second and beating the South Korean 247-216 in the deciding game.

However, the challenge of another women’s representative, Natasha Roslan ended after she lost to Puerto Rico’s Taishaye Naranjo.

All four national bowlers will also be competing in the men’s and women’s team events at the tournament.