A 67-year-old Glasgow curry shop boss has become the first Pakistani representative in bowls at the World Championships.
Mohammed 'Chico' Qureshi, a member at Glasgow Indoor Bowling Club, took to the portable rink at the SEC Centre in the session prior to his match against Robert Simpson of Jamaica. Qureshi has called Glasgow home for over 50 years and has competed at the Commonwealth Games before.
Qureshi's restaurant, the Alishan Tandoori, is a popular spot in Glasgow's southside. However, the well-supported Qureshi's appearance at the World Championships has led to a change in plans for one of his fans, Scottish bowler Jason Banks. Banks was looking forward to dining at the restaurant but has decided to avoid it this week.
Banks will face Qureshi in the Commonwealth Games men's singles on Friday. Qureshi has been putting in the hours to be ready for the conditions awaiting him in his opening match against Wales' Ross Owen. Unfortunately, it did not quite go to plan as he lost in straight sets – 12-5 and 17-0.
Qureshi remains upbeat despite his poor performance. "That's the worst game I've ever played," he told BBC Scotland. "It was very tricky to get going. The more I was trying, the worse I was getting." All is far from lost, though, with four Group C games still to go.
Qureshi's restaurant may be losing custom, but it is still a popular spot in Glasgow. The Alishan Tandoori has been a fixture in the city's southside for years. However, it is Qureshi's appearance at the World Championships that has brought attention to the restaurant.
The 67-year-old restaurateur has been a member at Glasgow Indoor Bowling Club for some time. He had been hoping to make an impact at the World Championships. However, his poor performance has left him with a lot to improve on.
Qureshi still has four Group C games to go. He will be looking to improve his performance and make an impact at the World Championships.
Source: Yahoo Sports