Congrats & condolences

All for you, dad: rafiq Ismail reacting after winning the Samho Cup in South Korea.

PETALING JAYA: It was a story of tears and triumph for national bowler Rafiq Ismail at the Samho Cup.

The 27-year-old Rafiq reached the final of one of the toughest tournaments in the world due to the presence of top level bowlers from South Korea in Yongin on Thursday, which was a remarkable feat.

But just before the final action, Rafiq received the heartbreaking news that his father Ismail Nimat, 72, had passed away due to illness.

Yet, Rafiq found the courage to step onto the lanes yesterday and went on to lift the Cup in style in Yongin.

Rafiq captured the title after bowling brilliantly to beat home star Lim Seung-won 256-224 at Bowltopia.

He was in tears before making the last throw and after winning, he was seen being consoled by his wife Wan Nur Adzlin Wan Ahmad Ifafudin.

His two-year-old son Yusuf was also there at the alley as Rafiq tried to cope with a day of mixed emotions.

Posing with his wife Wan Nur adzlin Wan ahmad Ifafudin and two-year-old son yusuf.

Rafiq dedicated the victory that came with a cash prize of RM185,000 to his late father, who had been the pillar of support throughout his career.

“I received the news that my father had passed away before the final (on Thursday). But I felt like my father was by my side today (yesterday),” said an emotional Rafiq.

“I’m sad that I could not be with him for one last time but I’m glad that I made this tournament 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.”

Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary-general Maradona Chok praised Rafiq for his resilience.

“We were saddened by the news of Rafiq’s father. Our president Datuk (Mohd) Najeeb (Abdullah) and I just visited him three weeks ago at the hospital,” said Maradona.

“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.”

His win justified his status as the current No. 1 in the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF) rankings.

It was his second victory this year following his success in the Singapore Open in June. He had finished sixth at the high-scoring Hong Kong Open recently.

Rafiq’s form gives him a strong chance to head the team for the SEA Games from Dec 9-20 in Bangkok.