SEA GAMES: Cai Lin's 400m Freestyle Reign Snapped

Khoo Cai Lin's undefeated run in the women's 400 metres freestyle finally ended while Chan Kah Yan broke her own national record to take silver in the 50m backstroke.

Khoo Cai Lin

Cai Lin, the Korat and Laos Sea Games champion in the event, was ahead in the opening 150 metres but slowed down in the final stride and allowed Thailand's Natthanan Jungkrajang to surge ahead to take the gold, clocking 4:15.84.

The freestyle specialist recorded 4:16.54 for the silver but her time was about six seconds off her Sea Games record achieved in Laos two years ago. Singapore's Koh HuiYu finished third in 4:23.00.

Her time, however, was good enough to earn an Olympic spot under Category B for next year's London Games.

"Although, I failed to regain my title, I am happy as it was by best time of the year. Furthermore, my 400m record still stands," said Cai Lin.

The Selangor-born swimmer is down to compete in the 800m freestyle where she stands a good chance of a medal, today.

Compatriot Kah Yan was not in her best health but the youngster managed to break her own national record by 0.25 seconds clocking 29.55 to finish behind Singapore's gold medallist Lim Jia Yi (29.37) in the 50m backstroke.

The Philippines' Dorothy Hong finished close behind for bronze in 29.96.

Kah Yan was suffering from sinus due to the dusty conditions at the Jakabaring Athletes Village and was under medication for a few days before yesterday's event.

Malaysia have so far managed four silver from the pool with three days of competition remaining. The other silver medals were from Marellyn Liew (women's 100m butterfly) and the women's 4x100 medley.

The national team, however, are expected to win their first gold through either Christina Loh or Siow Yi Ting in the women's breaststroke and Cai Lin in the 800m freestyle.

Read more: SEA GAMES: Cai Lin's 400m freestyle reign snapped - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/sea-games-cai-lin-s-400m-freestyle-reign-snapped-1.6093#ixzz1djx1UtVf