KUALA LUMPUR: Apart from seeking to get into the National Podium Programme, bowler Ahmad Muaz Fishol is also hoping to regain his old form ahead of the AMF World Cup that starts on Saturday in Hermosilo, Mexico.
The 24-year-old Kedah-born, had a poor season, with his last title being the Indonesian Open last year.
In 2016, Muaz also came in third at the World Bowling Tour Qatar Open.
"My season this year had been very poor, so it was definitely a surprise for me to make the cut for the World Cup. I did not see this coming," said Muaz when contacted.
"The Kuala Lumpur Sea Games (KL2017) was also a huge disappointment for me, as I played in all the events but failed to win a single medal.
"Last year was good, so I hope to regain that form as I make my debut at the World Cup next week."
The other Malaysian, competing in the 53rd edition of the competition is seasoned kegler Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman, who will be making her fourth appearance at the World Cup.
Regarded as one of the toughest tournaments in bowling, the only Malaysian to have clinched the title so far is Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek in 2012 in Wroclaw, Poland.
After not being considered for the one-month playing stint in the US PBA Tour, Muaz will reunite with the rest of his teammates in Las Vegas for the World Championships on Nov 24-Dec 6.
Only Podium Programme members - Alex Liew, Adrian Ang, Rafiq Ismail and Syafiq - were selected for the PBA Tour's US Open, the World Series of Bowling IX and the PBA World Championships.
"As I have mentioned previously, I want to do well in both the World Cup and the World Championships to improve my chances of getting into the Podium Programme. These two tournaments, are very important to me," added Muaz.
From Monday to Thursday, all bowlers will bowl a total of 24 games. The top 24 bowlers from each category (men's and women's) will then advance to the next stage on Friday, where they will bowl an additional eight games.
The top 24 will then be cut down to eight and then four, before the men's and women's final next week (Nov 11).