Ben believes double strike in bound for the national team in Doha

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia ruled the lanes in Bangkok two years ago, and national coach Ben Heng believes they have what it takes to do it again.

The national team topped both the men’s and women’s overall standings at the 2024 Asian Championships in Thailand, and Ben is confident they can retain their titles at this year’s edition in Doha, which began yesterday.

“Practice has gone well and everyone looks solid on the lanes. Morale is high and our target is to retain both the men’s and women’s overall titles,” said Ben.

Rafiq Ismail leads the men’s squad alongside Timmy Tan, Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek, Izz Naqiuddin Putera Islahuddin, Mohd Hazim Alihanafiah and Tun Ameerul Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam.

Asian Championships debutant Adelia Nur Irwan Syazalee joins five members of the women’s team that won silver in Bangkok – Sin Li Jane, Gillian Lim, Nora Lyana Nastasia Norkamal, Faten Najihah Ahmad Faik and Nur Syazwani Sahar.

“South Korea will be our main rival in the women’s division, while Hong Kong, South Korea and Qatar are expected to provide strong challenges in the men’s event,” said Ben.

Much of Malaysia’s title defence will rest on Rafiq and Li Jane, who combined to win seven of the country’s eight golds in Bangkok.

Rafiq swept the men’s singles, trios, all-events and Masters titles, while Li Jane won the women’s all-events and Masters crowns and partnered Natasha Roslan to doubles gold.

Both arrive in Doha on the back of recent success, with Rafiq winning his third Malaysian International Open title in June and Li Jane claiming her sixth Professional Women’s Bowling Association Tour crown at the Rockford Open in May.

The singles champions will be crowned today, with the doubles, trios and team events to follow. The championships conclude with the Masters finals on Nov 22.