HE has not won a world title. The closest was a silver (2017) and two bronzes (2016, 2023). Next month, Muhammad Soufi Rusli has a chance to make the grade – as a world champion. When he competes at the ‘World Cup 2025’ in Kuala Lumpur from Nov 4-8.
Soufi is up for 2 events – singles and pairs. Soufi, 38, believes he has a “50-50” chance.
“This is the 1st World Cup and we are hosting it. It means a lot.
“All the top nations and great players will gather here.
“I’m excited and also feel the heat playing such a big event at home,” said Soufi, who will partner Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple in the pairs event.
The last major event Malaysia hosted was the 1998 KL Commonwealth Games. The inaugural WC2025 is designed exclusively for the top 12 ranked nations.
Soufi said the national team are all fired up to face the top guns.
“We are competing here on merit and have what it takes to be on par with the world best players.
“Scotland, England, Australia and Wales have a strong reputation and will start as the favourites on paper.
“They have the best facilities and are well prepared while we have just acquired the “portable rink” for indoor competitions.
“Obviously they will adapt fast because it is the same type of playing surface back in their home.
“But for us there are technicalities involved in speed and skills with the new playing conditions,” said Soufi.
Each of the 12 participating nations will field a team of 6 players competing in 7 events.
EVENTS
Men – singles, pairs, para
Women – singles, pairs, para
Mixed pairs – para
COMPETING TEAMS
Australia, Scotland, England, Canada, Wales, India, Hong Kong China, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, USA and Malaysia.
TEAM MALAYSIA
Men
1. Muhammad Soufi Rusli
2. Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple
Para (B7)
3. Muhd Rafi Muda
Women
1. Emma Firyana Saroji
2. Nurul Alyani Jamil
Para (B7)
3. Jariah Zakaria
