Soufi out to seize the moment in quarter-final chase

On a roll: Mohd Soufi Rusli has a few hurdles to clear to book a quarter-final spot. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: National lawn bowls player Mohd Soufi Rusli has revived his chances of advancing to the men’s singles quarter-finals at the World Championship after recording a crucial victory against New Zealand’s Keanu Darby at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara yesterday.

The 38-year-old player defeated Darby 2-1 via a tie-break decision after both players were tied 1-1 in regulation play.

Having secured a commanding 14-0 victory in the first set, Soufi however, lost 4-6 in the second, forcing the winner to be decided by a tiebreak.

In the morning, Soufi had lost his opening match to Australia’s Aaron Teys 7-8, 4-7 thus ending the first day with one win and one loss. Soufi said the victory over Darby was very important for him as a confidence booster after the earlier defeat.

“I needed a win for this second game because I lost to Australia earlier. So, whatever it took, I had to raise my spirits again.

“In this championship, if you lose too many games, it’s very difficult to advance,” he said.

Soufi is bracing for three more group stage matches today and stressed that mental strength would be the main differentiating factor.

“Right now, I don’t want to think too far ahead. I want to focus on one game at a time because all the remaining matches will take place on the outdoor green.

“So, I have to properly study the line outside.

“Whether I like it or not, I have to be mentally and physically strong.

“Because all the players at this level are good; the only difference is how well we can control ourselves under pressure,” he said.

Only the top two players from each group qualify for the quarter-final stage in the singles event. — Bernama