NAYPIYTAW, Dec 17 — Malaysia successfully defended the men’s Recurve team gold despite fielding two novices, Atiq Bazil Bakri and Hafiq Kamaruddin who teamed up with senior archer Khairul Anuar Mohamad to beat Thailand in the 27th Myanmar SEA Games, today.
The Malaysians beat the Thai trio of Witthaya Tahm Wong, Khomkrit Duangsuwan and Denchai Thepna, 214-212 in the final at the Wunna Theik Archery centre here while the bronze went to Indonesia.
Khairul Anuar said he and his teammates were elated to contribute a gold medal to the country but said Thailand gave them a tough time till the final minute of the shootout.
“The Thai team tried to catch up in the third and fourth ends but we managed to shut them out,” he told reporters here today.
Asked if he was satisfied with collecting two gold medals, Khairul Anuar said even though he missed one gold medal in the men’s Recurve mixed doubles yesterday, he was grateful for the gold medal won today.
“My earlier personal target was three gold medals but we were placed fourth in the mixed doubles yesterday...but I am happy with the gold haul,” he said.
Yesterday, the 22-year-old archer shot down his first gold in the men’s individual Recurve after defeating compatriot Atiq Bazil Bakri 7-1. — Bernama
