National lawn bowls player Muhammad Soufi keeps World Cup quarter-final hopes alive after defeating New Zealand’s Keanu Darby in tense tie-break.
NATIONAL lawn bowls player Muhammad Soufi Rusli has revived his World Cup quarter-final hopes with a crucial victory against New Zealand’s Keanu Darby.
The 38-year-old secured a 2-1 tie-break win after both players were tied 1-1 in regulation play at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara.
Muhammad Soufi dominated the first set with a commanding 14-0 victory but lost the second set 4-6, forcing the match into a tie-break.
Earlier in the day, he had lost his opening match to Australia’s Aaron Teys 7-8, 4-7, ending the first day with one win and one loss.
“I needed a win for this second game because I lost to Australia this morning,” Muhammad Soufi told reporters.
“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 faces three more group stage matches tomorrow against South Africa, India, and Ireland.
These encounters will determine his quarter-final chances in the men’s singles event.
“Right now, I don’t want to think too far ahead. I want to focus on one game at a time,” he said.
All remaining matches will take place on the outdoor green, requiring him to study the line carefully.
Mental strength will be the main differentiating factor in the final three group matches.
“Whether I like it or not, I have to be mentally and physically strong,” Muhammad Soufi added.
“All the players at this level are good; the only difference is how well we can control ourselves under pressure.”
Only the top two players from each group qualify for the quarter-final stage in the singles event. – Bernama
