Pairs pain spurs Fairul to roll into singles semi-finals

THE disappointment of bowing out from the group stage in the men’s pairs event had bothered national lawn bowler Fairul Izwan Abd Muin (pic).

Fairul and partner Mohd Idham Amin Ramlan finished third in Group C instead of going all the way.

But after a period of reflection and also prayer, the 39-year-old Fairul entered the singles event with a positive mind and now he has reached the semi-finals.

He beat Jersey’s Ross Davis in the quarter-finals 21-12 in 16 ends yesterday.

Fairul was behind after four ends, with Davis taking a 4-2 lead, but in the next 12, Fairul pushed all the way for 21.

From end 12 to 16, he collected a whopping 10 points to ensure that he entered the semi-finals in style.

In the group stage, he had beaten Jamie Walker of England 21-8, but lost to Namibia’s Carel Aron Olivier 12-21.

“It’s a good feeling to be in the semi-finals. Davis was not bad and played well in the first few ends, but my confidence grew towards the end and I pushed all the way,” said Fairul.

“I believe the disappointment in the pairs has spurred me to do better. I’ve looked at ways to improve and not to forget, my doa (prayers) too. Also, it is nice to compete in Birmingham. I will cherish the lively atmosphere, cool weather and top level competition.”

Fairul will take on Northern Ireland’s Gary Kelly in the semi-finals.

“I know him well from past competitions. The goal is to the reach the final but I must focus on beating Kelly first.”