However, he went on to create history by clinching Malaysia’s first AMF World Cup crown in Wroclaw, Poland on Saturday. It was also a perfect belated birthday gift for Syafiq who turned 26 last Tuesday - a gift he will never forget.
DELIGHTED: Syafiq's with his wife Noor Shafira Noor Rashid
“Most of the younger bowlers are not too sure about the AMF World Cup. I only came to know about it last year," admitted Syafiq.
"When I knew I was going to compete in the World Cup, I wanted to finish among the top 8. I revised the target after winning the Taiwan International Open three weeks ago, hoping for a podium finish.
"So after 36 games, I hit my target of being in the top 3 and gave my best,” added Syafiq.
Syafiq played American Marshall Kent in the final to win with scores of 236 and 237 to claim the title.
“Kent scored five consecutive strikes from the first to fifth frame. I turned to my coach and he told me to bowl my best. I took his words and played my own game," he added.
Coach Holloway Cheah said Syafiq was calm despite facing tough competition from Kent.
“He kept telling me he could win. Normally, most players with such thoughts will add unnecessary pressure upon themselves. I didn’t stop him from thinking like that because I believed he could win and he made it,” said Cheah.
Cheah admired Syafiq’s maturity on the lanes, making him a true champion.
“He is a very nice guy and a very confident person. Even the American coach tapped his shoulder and said ‘Winning or not, you are the world champion’ and that gave him more confidence,” added Cheah.
His victory received kind words from fellow bowler Shalin Zulkifli, who was a runner-up in the women's category at the same tournament in 1996.
“It’s not an easy task to win the world cup. It’s quite a long format compared to the other tournaments like the World Championships. It’s one of the most prestigious world titles to win."
“I didn’t give him any specific advice other than wishing him good luck. It was funny to think that he didn’t even know about the World Cup a year ago,“ laughed Shalin.
“But I’m proud because at least a bowler from our country has won the title," she added.
