Emma Firyana aims to fulfill responsibility as world No. 1; Izzat seeks revenge

Emma Firyana Saroji, Malaysia's top-ranked lawn bowls player, embraces her world No. 1 status not as a cause for celebration but as a significant responsibility heading into the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. She recognizes that all eyes will be on her, but intends to channel this pressure into motivation for securing medals for Malaysia.

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It would be a lie if I said there was no pressure. I feel all eyes will be on me, but I consider it a responsibility to represent Malaysia to the best of my ability.

"It would be a lie if I said there was no pressure," Emma stated. "I feel all eyes will be on me, but I consider it a responsibility to represent Malaysia to the best of my ability." She will compete in the singles event, and the team feels their preparation is on track, despite needing to adapt to the actual playing surface upon arrival in Glasgow. The use of portable greens in Malaysia has provided an early advantage, helping players acclimate to the indoor conditions expected at the Games.

Emma acknowledges the challenging path to the semifinals, as only group winners advance to the final four. Therefore, the 27-year-old is concentrating on winning every match within her group, rather than fixating on distant goals. "We cannot afford mistakes. Our target is to win every match in the group first before thinking about the semifinals," she explained.

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We cannot afford mistakes. Our target is to win every match in the group first before thinking about the semifinals.

Meanwhile, her teammate Izzat Shameer Dzukeple carries a personal mission: to avenge a previous loss to Canadian rival Ryan Baster, who eliminated him in the quarterfinals of the 2023 World Championships. The defeat remains fresh in Izzat's memory, but he believes his current experience will lead to a different outcome if they face each other again. "I lost to him before. At that time, I might have lacked experience and was a bit nervous. If we meet again, I want to change that record and prove I can beat him," he said.

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I lost to him before. At that time, I might have lacked experience and was a bit nervous. If we meet again, I want to change that record and prove I can beat him.