The 26-year-old Choon Sieng and veteran Teoh Boon Lim were supposed to compete in the 20km walk at 6.30am today in a race they were fancied to snatch a 1-2 finish.
However, the organisers made a last-minute decision to reschedule the event to tomorrow.
But it doesn’t matter to the Malacca-born Choon Sieng, who just wants to win his first-ever gold medal at the Games after being disqualified at the Laos Games two years ago.
Boon Lim ended up winning the gold medal in Vientienne.
“I came in first two years ago but I was disqualified in the end ... it was really disappointing,” said Choon Sieng.
I’ve been training incredibly hard the past two years and I can say that my preparations in the run-up to this Games have been perfect.
“I have stayed injury-free so far and I really want the gold medal to make up for the disappointment of two years ago. Defending champion Boon Lim is my main competitor due to his experience. But I believe it is now my turn to shine.
“The Indonesians will also be strong challengers but I’ve worked out a good strategy with my coach and I am confident of winning the gold.”
Team manager Rajemah Sheikh Ahmad felt that the switch in dates was probably because Indonesia wanted to win the first athletics gold medal.
“But we accept their decision ... it doesn’t really matter because we are still well on course to meet our six-gold target,” said Rajemah.
Meanwhile, Tan Song Hwa has now emerged as the best candidate to win Malaysia’s first gold medal when she competes in the women’s hammer event today.
The 25-year-old Song Hwa is way above her peers and is the Games record holder with a throw of 56.41m, set in Laos two years ago.
Melinder Kaur is another athlete who could spring a surprise when she competes in the steeplechase event.
No comments:
Post a Comment