Abdullah Al-Tamimi
What are you studying at university? PhD in Bio-Technology
High Game: 290
High Series: 730
How long have you been bowling? I have been bowling in leagues and tournaments since 2008.
How did you start bowling?
Ever since I was 8 years old, I’ve been bowling with my family and I loved the whole atmosphere that the game had. However, when I was a teenager, I was more focused on playing basketball in Al Sadd club in Qatar. Bowling was at that time more of a competition we held during weekends with friends. From 2008, one of my friend’s father was a member in the bowling federation in Qatar. He asked me to bowl with him in a competitive way, join leagues, and practice together to develop our skills. Since then, I’ve been bowling almost daily and registered in Qatar Federation to compete in national leagues and tournaments.
You are the captain of the University of Sheffield club. What made you want to take up the role and what are you hoping to achieve this year?
The Sheffield bowling club is prestigious and was established in 1967 so this year will be its golden jubilee. In all those years, no international student has been elected, so it is an honour to be elected for the third time in a row. Last year, we were 3rd in the BUTBA ranking. We won the championship this year and we hope to get the first position in BUTBA ranking.
Is there anyone who has been influential on you as a bowler?
Yes. The legend PDW (Pete Weber).
What has been your most memorable moment on the lanes to date?
This year’s Student Championships. I qualified in the individual scratch male stepladder finals in 4th position against three of the best bowlers in UK; Curtis Hooper, Paul Marks, and my teammate Darren Ellis. I made it through to the final against Darren Ellis. We have always been competitive and challenging each other in the team’s time and our time. The game was very close. I had an open in the 8th frame and struck in the 9th. Darren finished with a score of 198. I needed a strike then a spare to beat his score. I struck on the first shot, and everyone watching were excited and shouting which made me feel that the whole world was cheering for me. I scored 202 which made me win the men’s event by four pins for the first time and I’m very proud of that. I want to thank all my friends who supported me.
Congratulations to Sheffield on your recent success at the Student Championships where your team took first place in team scratch overall. Tell us about that event.
Thank you. Our team included me, Darren Ellis, Shawn Coldys, and Muhammed Al-Thaqif. The first three games were in a short pattern which made it difficult for most of the teams. But we’ve been in a good shape in spite of the circumstances. After the break, the lanes were dressed in house pattern which made it easier for us and we continued leading the tournament until the end. This made us the champions. And I want to thank the whole team for their discipline and great effort throughout the tournament.
What are your personal targets/ambitions for this season?
Last year I was runner-up in the BUTBA Student Men’s Scratch Rankings. I hope this year I can take first position.
What kit is in your bag at the moment?
Hammer Legend Red Solid, Hammer Legend Red Pearl, and Brunswick Danger Zone.
What one piece of advice would you give to our new tour members?
Enjoy the game, be proud of the university you’re representing, and always aim high.