PETALING JAYA: It was an emotional win for bowler Rafiq Ismail at the Samho Cup in South Korea on Friday (Sept 26).
The 27-year-old received the heartbreaking news that his father Ismail Nimat had passed away just before the final. Yet, Rafiq found the courage to step onto the lanes and lifted the Cup in style in Yongin.
Rafiq dedicated the victory to his late father, who had been the pillar of support throughout his career. The 72-year-old Ismail passed away due to illness.
"I received the news that my father had passed away before the final, but I felt like he was by my side today," said an emotional Rafiq.
"I'm sad that I could not be with him for one last time but winning this title had made it worthwhile for me.
"This win will always be important for me as it would be a reminder that I won it on the day my father passed away."
The tournament is known as one of the toughest events in the world due to the presence of top level bowlers from Korea.
But Rafiq, determined to win for his dad, was on fire as he beat home star Lim Seung-won 256-224 at Bowltopia.
It was his second victory this year following the success in Singapore Open in June.
Said Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary-general Maradona Chok: "We were saddened by the news of Rafiq's father. Our president Datuk Najeeb and myself just visited him three weeks ago at the hospital."
Maradona hailed Rafiq for striking it right on a difficult day for him.
"Rafiq has always had extraordinary mental strength and focus that is unrivalled and he has once again proven that he is one of the best bowlers the world has seen."
