Men’s trios fall short in world meet

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s hopes in the men’s trio event at the World Championships in Hong Kong ended in the second round, as both national teams failed to advance to the semi-finals.

The first trio, featuring Syazirol Shamsudin and Rafiq Ismail – fresh from their doubles bronze on Saturday – alongside Hafiz Zainuddin, posted 1,498 pinfalls to finish the opening round in 10th place.

The second team, made up of Danial Abu Samah, Izz Naqiuddin Putera Islahuddin, and Hazim Ali Hanafiah, were just behind in 12th with 1,484 pinfalls. Both teams progressed to the second round, but the competition grew tougher.

Danial, Naqiuddin, and Hazim ended fourth in Group A with 1,494 pinfalls, behind semi-finalists Sweden, South Korea, and France. Meanwhile, Syazirol, Rafiq, and Hafiz finished fifth in Group B with 1,528 pinfalls, trailing Denmark and Australia who moved on to the last four.

Malaysia’s disappointment in the men’s trio could yet be redeemed by the women’s trio, who will take to the lanes today.

Malaysia will again field two teams, with one trio comprising Gillian Lim, Sin Li Jane and Natasha Roslan, while the other features Nora Lyana Nastasia Norkamal, Adelia Nur Irwan Syazalee and Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman.