Saqib Shabbir
What did you study at university? Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Manchester Met
What do you do as a day job? Principle Engineer
High Game: 257
High Series: 589
How long have you been bowling? 3 years
How did you start bowling?
I was on an industrial placement in Birmingham and wanted to do something after work so I got in touch with a few societies at UoB and bowling were first to reply so decided to give it a try. I found it to be really fun and everyone there was friendly and welcoming.
Is there anyone who has been influential on you as a bowler?
Shaun Parsons has been very influential as he taught me how to bowl properly with 2 hands and he’s just an all-round nice guy.
You won the 2015/16 Handicap Masters division last season. Tell us about that event?
I took part in the 2014/15 Masters but didn’t win and decided to set myself a challenge to win in the following year… and that’s exactly what I did. The event
itself was very fun and a good opportunity to meet some people that I don’t get to see too often.
I started off a bit shaky but once I got used to the lanes, I started getting really good scores and made it to the final. The final was intense but I kept my cool and ploughed through as a warrior.
What has been your most memorable moment on the lanes?
My most memorable moment would have to be during a doubles tournament in Nottingham. We needed 10 pins to qualify for the finals, and I was on my last frame. On the first shot, I got 9 and left the 5 pin. Me being me, I tried to show off and decided to put as many revs on the ball as I could to get it to hook back from the edge of the lane… It went straight into the gutter.
What are your targets/ambitions for this season?
Try and get my average closer to 190 and hopefully win a couple of tournaments and meet some friends I haven’t seen in a while.
What kit is in your bag at the moment?
My sexy ball and Paul Marks’ towel.
What piece of advice would you give to our new tour members?
Try and have fun, and enjoy the company around you. Tournaments don’t have to be too serious. It’s about the journey and not the destination.