SUBANG JAYA: Wan Zarif Ikram Wan Mazlan delivered a masterful performance on the final day, securing the boys' Masters gold at the Asian Junior Bowling Championships.
The Terengganu-born athlete excelled as he outperformed top seed Jovi Ma of Hong Kong 427-385 (232-208, 195-177) in the two-game stepladder finals at Sunway Mega Lanes on Saturday.
Earlier, Zarif edged compatriot Ethan Damien Goh 194-172 in the one-game elimination semi-final.
Expressing his joy at hitting peak form when it mattered most, Zarif earned his first medal, which turned out to be gold.
Zarif began the week with a modest 17th place finish in singles, followed by eighth in doubles, fourth in the team event, and 12th in the All-Events.
This victory was particularly sweet for Zarif and his team after narrowly missing the lead in the penultimate stage of the team event on Thursday.
"My perseverance finally paid off, I'm just so relieved and pleased," said Zarif. "After finishing empty-handed in my debut in Singapore last year, I wanted to make amends this time. I'm naturally ambitious, going into every event believing I can win."
Despite setbacks, Zarif remained determined, securing the second spot in the 16-game roll-off with a total of 3,852 pins.
Jovi claimed top seeding with 3,597 pins, while Ethan finished third with 3,571.
On the girls' side, there was no final-day success as none of the players finished in the top three of the roll-off. Singapore dominated with Ashley Victoria Lok winning gold, completing a 1-2 finish with Hazel Tan. Emily Hart of Australia took bronze.
With an additional gold on the final day, Malaysia finished second behind Singapore in the medal tally, earning a total of three gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.
Singapore emerged as the overall champions with five gold and two silver.