NAYPYITAW, Dec 16 — A gold medal from the archery contingent through Khairul Anuar Mohamad was about the only highlight on the 13th-day of the 27th Myanmar SEA Games as Malaysia’s gold medal trail came to an almost grinding halt.
Malaysia had collected six gold medal yesterday and all indications were that the haul was going to get better today, but nothing went right for the Malaysian contingent.
The gold medal was however, already in the bag as it was an all-Malaysian affair in the men’s Recurve individual final when Khairul faced Atiq Bazil Bakri.
Malaysia though won seven silver medals and four bronze medals to remain in fifth place with 25 gold, 23 silver and 46 bronze medals.
Thailand continued to rule supreme at the top of the medal tally with 59 gold, 45 silver, 49 bronze followed by Vietnam with 43 gold, 36 silver, 43 bronze while host nation Myanmar dropped to third with 39 gold, 38 silver, 41 bronze and Indonesia remained in fourth place with 38 gold, 51 silver, 50 bronze medals.
Swimmers who were expected to splash their way to one or two gold medals from the pool on the final day of swimming competition at the Wunna Theikdi Aquatic Centre, came up short, although Daniel Bego won a silver medal through the men’s 200m Freestyle with a time of 1 minute 51.50 seconds.
The Malaysian swimming team ended their campaign with four gold, four silver and three bronze medals, surpassing the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia’s target of three gold medals.
Christina Loh was the toast of the swimming team with two gold medals from the women’s 100m and 200m Breastroke.
Tomorrow, four gold medals will be at stake in archery, namely the men’s and women’s team events.
Malaysia’s gold medal chase also continues in men’s football as Malaysia, the defending champion, face Vietnam to decide a place in the semi-finals. — Bernama
