KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s men’s bowling squad failed to defend their title in the International Bowling Federation (IBF) World Cup 2026 in Munich, Germany, after missing out on a place in the final today.
The Malaysian quartet of former world champion Muhammad Rafiq Ismail, Timmy Tan, Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam and Ahmad Muaz Mohd Fishol lost 2-3 to Australia in the semi-finals at Max Munich Bowling in Brunnthal, settling for the bronze medal.
Malaysia made a bright start with a 224-192 win in the opening game but lost the second 175-206.
They regained the lead with a 217-164 victory in the third game before Australia levelled the tie by taking the fourth 195-168.
The Australians then clinched their place in the final with a 275-194 win in the deciding game.
Today’s result saw Malaysia share the bronze medal with the United States, who were eliminated by France 1-3 in the other semi-final.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s women’s team also had to settle for bronze after losing 2-3 to neighbouring Singapore in a closely contested semi-final.
The quartet of newly crowned women’s singles silver medallist Natasha Mohamed Roslan, Sin Li Jane, Adelia Nur Irwan Syazalee and Nur Hazirah Ramli fell behind after losing the first two games 203-236 and 200-211.
However, the Malaysians fought back to level the tie with victories of 259-215 and 194-180 in the third and fourth games respectively.
Singapore held their nerve in the deciding game to secure a 191-174 win and advance to the final, where they will face Denmark.
Denmark booked their place in the final after creating an upset over defending champions the United States 3-2 in the other semi-final.
-- BERNAMA