In the latest updated World Bowls Series rankings, the 32-year-old takes the top spot from inaugural holder Australia’s Aron Sherriff – the first major change since the rankings were launched in June.

Dzulkeple takes the top spot after winning Gold in the men’s singles at the Asian Lawn Bowls Championship, Silver in the men’s singles and Bronze in the Mixed Pairs with Nor Farah Ain Abdullah at the World Bowls Indoor Championships in Guernsey.

We spoke to Dzukeple about his new ranking fame.

What is your occupation?

General clerk

What club do you bowl at?

Perak Bowls Club

What bowls do you play with?

Henselite XG

How often do you practise?

I usually train myself at least two hours per day as I also commit to my work.

How and when did you start playing bowls?

I started to play when I was 14-years-old.

What was your first bowls achievement?

I won gold in the Malaysia National Pairs Under 18.

How does it feel to be ranked number one in the world?

First of all, I was so excited when my name was ranked number one in the world. This is beyond my expectation throughout my career as a bowler. I am so proud of myself that I did my best every time I participated in any tournament.

What does it mean to represent Malaysia?

To be very honest, I am proud to represent my country. Even though in Malaysia lawn bowls is not really a well-known sport, with this achievement I am sure lawn bowls is one of the best sports for the young generation to join.

How important is the ranking list for the future of the bowls?

I personally think the ranking list plays a crucial role in shaping the future of bowls, especially in competitive settings. I also think rankings provide a clear benchmark for performance, motivating teams and individuals to improve. In short, rankings are not the sole determinant of success, they are a significant factor that influences opportunities, perceptions, and growth in the sport of bowls.

Do you have a bowls hero?

Yes, of course. My idol in bowls is Alex Marshall MBE. I hope I can play with him as a partner one day.

Who has helped you with your bowls career so far?

My head coach Mr. Zuraidi Puteh.

Does anyone else in your family play bowls?

Yes, my brother also plays lawn bowls representing the Perak Bowls Club. Sometimes, I also teach my wife to play bowls together with me.

What is next on the bowls calendar for you?

Hong Kong Classic 2024 in Hong Kong and Champion of Champions in Auckland this upcoming November.

What are your aims in bowls?

Definitely my main goal is to get a gold medal in World Bowls 2027 and Commonwealth Games 2026.

What is your advice to anyone taking up bowls?

Start by focusing on your technique and consistency, and don’t be afraid to ask for tips from experienced players. Enjoy the game and practice regularly to improve your skills!

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

My interesting facts are during the game, I will always do self-talk technique in order to overcome my nervousness or pressure during the game. So, if you see me talking to myself, it is just my style of releasing my pressure especially during the tough game or second round game.

 

World Bowls Series is the official year-long calendar of sanctioned events connecting to the official world rankings. It is a joint venture between World Bowls and Tier 5 Ventures. The sanctioned events occur across the globe and will feature a mixture of existing and new events.

WBS currently has 29 sanctioned events. Each WBS event will belong to a different tier having different ranking points based on the size, location, and stature it presents for the sport.

The purpose of WBS is to build the profile and brand of bowls, showcase the best players in the game, accelerate the legitimacy of the sport on the global stage and launch world rankings that will help create clarity and interest in the sport of bowls.

For more information regarding the World Bowls Series, contact: Neil Dalrymple, CEO, World Bowls, ceo@worldbowls.com

Author: Ceris Hewlings, World Bowls media officer

Caption: Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple (Malaysia) is the new World Bowls Series number one ranked male player