{
  "id": 12132651,
  "title": "Never too old for bowler Syafiq to be national champ again",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/never-too-old-for-bowler-syafiq-to-be-national-champ-again",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T10:48:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/10/1548355/never-too-old-bowler-syafiq-be-national-champ-again"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR - Bowler Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek, aged 40, claimed his third men's Open crown at the 48th National Championships, fulfilling a 13-year ambition. Gillian Lim reclaimed the women's Open title she last won in 2024. Syafiq, a champion in 2009 and 2013, defeated two former champions to secure the title. He overcame 2012 winner Isaac Russell Paul in the semi-finals and top seed Tun Hakim Tun Hasnul Azam in the final, both by winning the opening game under the 1+1 format. Gillian overcame Adelia Nur Irwan Syazalee in the final to retain the women's crown. The top prize for men's champion was RM9,000, followed by RM6,000 for the women's champion, with other winners receiving RM3,000, RM4,500, RM2,000, RM2,500, RM1,660, RM1,677, RM1,788, and RM1,585.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek rolled back the years for a third men’s Open crown, while Gillian Lim reclaimed the women’s Open title at the 48th National Championships on Monday.",
  "key_points": [
    "40-year-old Syafiq Ridhwan Abdul Malek wins third men's Open title",
    "Gillian Lim retakes women's Open crown after 2024 win",
    "Syafiq defeats two former champions in final showdown"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}