KUALA LUMPUR — Reigning world champion Natasha Roslan is now a World Cup winner.
The national bowler made history today, becoming the first Malaysian woman to claim gold at the prestigious event.
She defeated Germany’s Birgit Noreiks 217-166 and 226-169 in the women’s singles final at Top Bowl in Hong Kong.
Earlier, Natasha secured a thrilling victory in the semi-finals, overcoming Singapore’s Daphne Tan 244-198, 213-216, and 187-181.
Natasha’s journey to the title began with an outstanding performance in the qualifying rounds, where she topped her group.
She went on to defeat Peru’s Ariana Komt (258-181, 233-202) in the round of 32, the United States’ Lauren Russo (218-184, 209-182) in the last 16, and another American, Jillian Martin (215-161, 217-177), in the quarter-finals.
In the men’s singles event, Asia’s top-ranked bowler and former world champion Rafiq Ismail earned a silver medal after an incredible run to the final.
Rafiq narrowly missed out on ending Malaysia’s 13-year wait for gold in the men’s category, losing to China’s Du Jian Chao in a hard-fought three-game final: 222-223, 216-166, and 235-193.
Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek was the only and last Malaysian men’s singles player to win the title back in 2012.
“Overall, I think I had a good run. This is the first tournament of the year, and finishing second is a great start. I’m looking forward to the team event,” said Rafiq.
To reach the final, Rafiq overcame Saudi Arabia’s Abdulmajeed Alaslani (227-203, 256-211) in the round of 32, Puerto Rico’s David Marquez (300-157, 215-211) in the last 16, Macau’s Chan Tak Seng (269-231, 227-209) in the quarter-finals, and the United States’ Packy Hanrahan (257-235, 253-191) in the semi-finals. — January 10, 2025