Rafiq Claims KLIO26 Mixed Open Crown For June Hat-trick

PETALING JAYA, June 21 (Bernama) -- National bowling ace Muhammad Rafiq Ismail continued his dominance by clinching the mixed open title for the first time at the 2026 MILO Kuala Lumpur International Open Bowling Championship (KLIO26) today.

Competing at Sunway Mega Lanes, Sunway Pyramid, the 29-year-old emerged champion after amassing a total of 2,020 pinfalls over eight games, beating 39 other participants, including several of the country's top bowlers.

Tun Ameerul Luqman Al Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam finished second with 1,918 pinfalls, while Megat Zaqrul Haiqal took the third spot with 1,915 pinfalls.

The victory completed a hat-trick of titles for Rafiq this month, having also won the Malaysian Open and Singapore Open.

"I'm happy because I won all three tournaments this month. This is among the sweetest achievements of my career," he said when met after the championship.

As champion, Rafiq took home RM30,000 in prize money.

He admitted the victory came at the right time and served as some consolation after his home was recently broken into, resulting in losses estimated at RM60,000.

"I regard this victory as a blessing and a replacement for what I have lost. I hope it marks the beginning of better things to come," he said.

The championship was organised in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Kuala Lumpur Tenpin Bowling Association.

-- BERNAMA