Izzat aims for consistent performance after strong start

Malaysian lawn bowler Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple secured a confident 2-0 victory in his opening match at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow but remains focused on refining his performance. The 44-year-old athlete defeated Cecil Alexander of the Falkland Islands in the men's singles Group D.

Despite the strong start, Izzat admitted to initial nerves that affected his rhythm. "Alhamdulillah, I managed to start the competition with a good result. There was a bit of nervousness, but I managed to control it," he said. "What's important is that I realize there are still many things that need to be improved."

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Alhamdulillah, I managed to start the competition with a good result. There was a bit of nervousness, but I managed to control it. What's important is that I realize there are still many things that need to be improved.

He views the first match as a crucial acclimatization period. "This first match gave me a chance to adjust to the rink. I hope to perform more confidently in the next match because the competition ahead is more challenging," Izzat added. He plans to focus on tactical improvements, particularly reducing short bowls that often lead to missed scoring opportunities.

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This first match gave me a chance to adjust to the rink. I hope to perform more confidently in the next match because the competition ahead is more challenging.

"I need to ensure my bowls are more accurate, especially reducing the ones that are too short. After this, I want to produce more back bowls and focus on draw shots to be more consistent throughout the game," he explained. This is Izzat's second appearance at the Commonwealth Games, and he is keenly aware of the experienced opposition awaiting him, including players from India, Malta, and Canada.

Izzat is scheduled to compete against Shaun Parnis of Malta next. Meanwhile, the women's doubles pair, Aleena Ahmad Nawawi and Syafiqa Haidar Afif Abdul Rahman, will also begin their Group D campaign against a team from the Falkland Islands and Jersey.

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I need to ensure my bowls are more accurate, especially reducing the ones that are too short. After this, I want to produce more back bowls and focus on draw shots to be more consistent throughout the game.