KUALA LUMPUR – National bowler Rafiq Ismail said he felt his late father’s spirit guiding him as he produced a composed performance to beat Korea’s Lim Seungwon at the Samho Korea Cup International today.
The 27-year-old, whose father Ismail Nimat passed away yesterday, revealed the emotional weight behind his victory.
“My sad moment is I couldn’t be beside my father (when he passed away yesterday),” the former world champion told Korea Bowling Press Association (KBPA).
“There was a moment when I was playing that I felt like my father’s spirit was with me, helping me along the way. I’m very happy that I brought my father’s name along with me. Ismail is my father’s name, and I will carry it till the end.”
Rafiq explained that he had attempted to change his flight to return to Malaysia, but the six-hour journey meant he would not have arrived in time for the funeral.
“It was best to settle his funeral arrangements as soon as possible,” he said.
Despite his personal grief, Rafiq held his composure on the lanes, defeating Seungwon 256–224 in one of the tournament’s most anticipated clashes.
The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) and its General Council extended their condolences to Rafiq and his family, saying: “May Rafiq and his family find strength and comfort during this difficult time. Al-Fatihah.” — September 26, 2025