Lawn bowler Izzat stays humble as he seeks semis spot

PETALING JAYA: National lawn bowler Izzat Shamer Dzulkeple is out for a strong finish after maintaining an unbeaten run in the qualifying stage so far.

On Saturday, Izzat beat India’s Putul Sonawal 2-0, who was tipped as one to watch after the latter had upstaged former world champion Ryan Bester of Canada on Saturday.

The first set against Sonawal was comfortable, with Izzat winning 8-4, before he held his nerve in a tighter second to close it out 9-8.

The 34-year-old is hoping to make the semi-finals but he has to win his last two remaining group matches next against Kenya’s Anwar Hamada and Bester.

“I’m growing more confident, but I want to maintain this streak, so I have to stay humble and focus on my bowling,” he said.

“I understand what is at stake because only the top of the group will reach the semi-finals.”

Earlier, Izzat had scored a 2-0 (8-5, 10-6) win against Malta’s Shaun James Parnis, and a 2-0 (10-3, 7-4) win over Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands.

The women’s pair Aleena Ahmad Nawawi and Syafiqah Haidar Afif Abdul Rahman are taking a measured approach despite winning all three of their qualifying matches.

The duo began their campaign with a dominant 2-0 (13-0, 11-1) win over Sharon Barnes and Kristiane Thorsen of the Falkland Islands, before following up with a 2-0 (4-3, 7-5) victory over Jersey’s Sara Douglas and Fiona Archibald.

They then thrashed the Cook Islands’ Vaise Ngatoko-Poila and Jim Teokotai Rahui 2-0 (12-2, 12-2).

Despite the fine record, Aleena felt there was still plenty to work on.

“A lot of our gameplay has to be fixed if we want to end the group stage victoriously,” said Aleena.

“Our execution has to be better, and we want to make our game even more beautiful.”

Added Syafiqah: “We hope to stay sharp in our remaining group matches.”