Mohd Nuzul Azwan Ahmad Temizi posing with his bronze medal in petangue.
BANGKOK: In petanque, skill and mental toughness outweigh the exuberance of youth.
Mohd Nuzul Azwan Ahmad Temizi proved that when the 35-year-old veteran claimed bronze at the SEA Games.
It could have been a better medal but he just lost narrowly 37-38 to Indonesian Satria Topan in the men’s shooting semi-finals at the Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University in Bangkok.
"Losing 37-38 is a frustration I can’t quite describe, especially after leading by nine points from the beginning," said Nuzul.
Despite the defeat, he remains confident that age will not hinder his competitive spirit.
"Age is not a barrier because petanque relies more on skill and mental strength," said Nuzul.
"Today’s loss was just a bit of hard luck, as I was not able to capitalise on the opportunities I had."
The narrow defeat was particularly painful for Nuzul, who could not deliver his A-game to reach the finals and chase a gold medal – a prize he has long dreamed of going into in his eighth SEA Games appearance.
His best performance came in 2015 in Singapore when he won silver in men’s doubles and bronze in men’s shooting.
"I had hoped to contribute a gold medal this time because I’ve been dreaming of winning one for very long," said Nuzul.
"I am a little disappointed because I didn’t perform at my best and gave my opponent a chance to catch up at the final moments.
"I want to dedicate this medal to my parents, my wife and my children," said Nuzul.
"They have sacrificed so much throughout my training, especially with me being abroad so often."
"I only competed in one event this time," said Nuzul. "I will continue to support my teammates as they strive to win our first gold in petanque."
Teammates Mohd Hafizuddin Mat Daud and Nur Durratul Iffah Yazit were eliminated in the preliminary rounds of men’s and women’s singles respectively.
RESULTS (Malaysians unless stated)
PRELIMINARY
Men
Shooting: 4. Mohd Nuzul Azwan Ahmad Temizi 27 points, 2. Nuzul 54 points.
Singles: Huynh Cong Tam (Vie) bt Mohd Hafizuddin Mat Daud 13-8, Hafizuddin bt Repal Alfred (Phi) 13-2, Irawan Andri (Ina) bt Hafizuddin 10-9.
Women
Singles: Nur Durratul Iffah Yazit bt Apriliah Anjani Dwi (Ina) 11-9, Thai Thi Hong Thoa (Tha) bt Durratul 13-3, Munar Mary Grace (Phi) bt Durratul 11-6.
SEMI-FINALS
Men
Shooting: Satria Topan (Ina) bt Nuzul 38-37.
