Commonwealth Games: MLBF Targets Two Medals In Glasgow

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation (MLBF) is confident of bringing home at least two medals despite the more challenging environment at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

MLBF president Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz said the target is realistic as the number of events has been reduced from eight to just four.

The situation was compounded by a change in the competition format, which requires players to top their groups to qualify for the semi-finals, said Awalan, who is also Malaysia's chef de mission (CDM).

However, he sees this as an opportunity to secure a medal more quickly if the early hurdle can be overcome.

"Once they qualify for the semi-finals, their chances of winning at least a bronze medal are very high,”  he told reporters after the CDM's visit here today.

The Glasgow Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held from July 23 to Aug 2.

Meanwhile, women's singles player and world number one Emma Firyana Saroji admitted that the new format would test her abilities as every player needs to maintain a high level of consistency throughout the group stage.

"Being the world number one now naturally puts the spotlight on me, but I view that pressure as a huge responsibility to shoulder for the country," she said, expecting stiff competition from players from Wales and India.

National men's singles player Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple described his group draw as highly competitive as it will see him face the world champion from Canada once again.

"The Canadian player is very experienced and defeated me in the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Bowls Championship. He has the advantage in terms of driving technique and experience.

"However, through discussions with my coach, we have already devised a specific strategy to counter his strengths, and I believe my draw technique is better," he said.

The four events to be contested in Glasgow are the men's and women's singles, and the men's and women's pairs.

For the men’s categories, Izzat Shameer will compete in the singles, while Muhammad Soufi Rusli and Amirul Danial Abdul Rahim will contest in the pairs.

Emma Firyana will compete in the women's singles, followed by the pairing of Syafiqa Haidar Afif Abdul Rahman and Aleena Ahmad Nawawi in the women's pairs, and Jariah Zakaria and Norazian Daud in the women's para pairs event.

-- BERNAMA