SEA GAMES: Party At The Pool

Synchronised swimmers in their element

Synchronised swimmers Katrina Ann Abdul Hadi (right) and Shareen Png Hui Chuen starting off their routine in the technical duet event.

Shareen Png Hui Chuen waited for a decade to be on the podium while Katrina Ann Abdul Hadi outdid her younger sister and national gymnast Farah Ann as Malaysia swept two gold medals on the opening day of synchronised swimming at the Jakabaring Aquatic Centre yesterday.

Hui Chuen was in the squad for the 2001 Sea Games, the last time synchronised swimming was contested, but only as a pre-swimmer.

A pre-swimmer swims before the main event and sets the level for the judges.

She and Katrina Ann first twisted and turned to perfection to the tune of 'Tango' from the Brad Pitt movie, Mr. And Mrs Smith, to upstage their rivals in the technical duet event.

The judges awarded them a 37.750 total for execution and 38.375 for overall impression for a combined score of 76.125 points.

Singapore's Stephanie Chen Mei Qi -Crystal Yap Yu Hui rocked their way to silver with 72.750 followed by Indonesia's Adela Amanda Nirmala-Sabihisma Arsyi on 71.000.

In the second competition of the day, the eight-team member squad led by Hui Chuen, were flawless in their routine to Shakira's 'Waka Waka' tune to snatch the technical team gold with 74.750 points ahead of silver medallists Thailand (70.750).

Indonesia and Singapore, who both earned an identical score of 70.375 points, were each awarded a bronze medal.

The other members of the Malaysian team were Tan May Mei, Mandy Yeap Mun Yip, Emanuelle Mah Thil Da, Ling Yep Pei, Zyanne Lee Zhien Huey and Zylane Lee Ying Huey.

"When I received the gold medal on the podium I felt so proud of myself. I waited for this moment for so long as I did not get to be in the first team at the 2001 KL Games," said Shareen.

"I was only a pre-swimmer then but I continued to train hard in hope I would get to compete in the Sea Games. I knew it was my time to be in the limelight when the sport was included once again in these Games."

Shareen's regular partner was Zhien Huey and their best result was fourth placing at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games before she was paired up with Katrina for the first time in the Guangzhou Asian Games, where they finished sixth in the technical duet.

As for Katrina, the 19-year-old was all excited about winning two gold medals.

"I wanted so much to win two titles today (yesterday) so that I could give one medal to my sister, Farah Ann, and I achieved it. She was injured and could only win silver in the uneven bars.

"I wish Farah Ann was here but she's back in KL for her SPM examinations. If she wants one of my gold medals, I would happily give it to her," said the delighted Katrina.

The national synchronised swimmers will continue their campaign in the free duet and team today.



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