Swimmers Finish Third In Medal Haul

Welson Sim (centre) poses with Yeap Zheng Yang of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur’s Wong Jun Bin after the prize presentation.

KANGAR: Sarawak ended their swimming campaign in Sukma XVII as the third best team with nine gold, five silver and three bronze medals last Sunday.

The last swimmer to win gold for the team was Welson Sim Wee Sheng who clocked the time of 16:18.14 in the men’s 1,500m freestyle race.

Second was Yeap Zheng Yang of Selangor who timed 16:33.35 while Kuala Lumpur’s Wong Jun Bin finished third in 16:37.59.

After five days of keen competition at the Aquatic Centre, Perlis Sports Complex, Selangor defended their crown by capturing 11 golds, 18 silvers and 13 bronzes.

Kuala Lumpur were the runners-up with 10 golds, six silvers and nine bronzes.

Out of the nine golds that Sarawak won, Welson Sim, Erika Kong Chia Chia and Angela Chieng Chui Fei contributed two individual golds each and the trio got their third gold in the relay events.

National swimmer Vernon Lee Jeau Zhi was expected to deliver two golds but he only won the men’s 400m freestyle and settled for the silver in the men’s 200m butterfly.

The other gold medals came from the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay (Alex Tiong, Ngui Jiung Wei, Vernon Lee, Welson Sim) and women’s 4x200m freestyle relay (Erika Kong, Nita Wong, Tan Tyng, Angela Chieng).

Sarawak’s silver medals were delivered by Vernon Lee (men’s 200m butterfly), Alex Tiong (men’s 400 IM, men’s 200m breaststroke), Angela Chieng (women’s 400m freestyle) and men’s 4x100m freestyle relay (Allister Chung, Ngui Jiung Wei, Vernon Lee, Welson Sim).

The bronze medals were contributed by Alex Tiong (men’s 100m butterfly), Angela Chieng (women’s 200m

freestyle) and Nita Wong (women’s breaststroke).

Angela Chieng was happy she achieved her target of three golds which matched her exploits in Pahang Sukma.

“I could have done better than this but I wasn’t in my top form and could not adapt to the hot weather here in Perlis, as a result I had fever,” she said.

The SMK Batu Lintang student will be flying off to Singapore to compete in the SEA Age Group Swimming Championship that will be held from June 6-8.

“I am hoping to do well in Singapore,” added Angela.

Head coach Hii Hieng Chiong expressed his satisfaction with the overall performance of the state swimmers as the majority of them had achieved their personal bests in their respective individual events.

“The new faces have shown great potential and they helped us win the men’s and women’s 4x200m relay golds.

“This is a very good sign that they can pose a strong challenge in two years’ time when we host the Sukma XIX in Sarawak,” said Hii.

He was pleased to note that all the three national swimmers Vernon Lee, Welson Sim and Erika Kong are all eligible for Sukma 2016.

Apart from the three national swimmers, 17-year old Angela Chieng is also eligible for Sukma XIX.

Hii said it was a great pity that Sarawak dropped two “expected’ gold medals, otherwise they could have finished second overall.

Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak (Asas) president Dato Wee Hong Seng conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to the swimming team for contributing the vital nine golds to the state contingent.

“Together we make it happen and together we share the happiest moments of our achievements. Let’s get ready for 2016 and target the overall champions title,” he said.

Wee also thanked Social Development Ministry, Sarawak State Sports Council and all affiliates of Asas for their support and contribution to the state’s swimming success.



Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/06/03/swimmers-finish-third-in-medal-haul/#ixzz359iDgD9D

Sylvester Stamps His Mark

SARAWAK'S Sylvester Gaing is well on the footsteps of his idol Bryan Nickson Lomas after notching a commendable double victory on the final day of the Perlis Malaysia Games diving competition.

Sylvester, competing in his third Malaysia Games, clinched the men's individual platform gold with a 276.10 score at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre. Federal Territories' Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya (264.45) and Sabah's Jellson Jabilin (253.05) finished second and third respectively.

He then teamed up with Carlyse Chan to give Sarawak top honours in the 3m springboard synchronised event after managing 334.80, ahead of Selangor's Ahmad Shahrol-Ng Zheng Hao (287.82s) and Perak's Syafiq Puteh-Kua Chee Yeap (275.10) who finished second and third.

The 17-year-old, who earned a call-up to the national backup squad in November but left earlier this year due to personal reasons, said: “I did not expect to win gold here so to get two is a great feeling for me.

“I really look up to Bryan as he is a great diver and is also a Sarawakian from Samarahan. It is a long way to go but I hope I can achieve what he did one day.”

As expected, the women's platform event saw Federal Territrories’ Loh Zhiayi defending her title with a 325.40 score. Perak's Jasmine Lai finished second on 241.10 while Megan Elizabeth Teoh (FT) clinched bronze with 213.95.

Sarawak’s Sylvester Gaing performing his routine in the individual platform at the Malaysia Games yesterday. Pic by Eizairi Shamsudin

Read more: Sylvester stamps his mark - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/sylvester-stamps-his-mark-1.609733#ixzz33SGXfFsd

Records Fall On Final Day

JOHOR’S Tern Jian Han and Selangor's Chan Jie were in fine form on the final day of the Perlis Malaysia Games swimming competition as they both rewrote long-standing games records at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre in Kangar yesterday.
Jian Han clocked two minutes and 7.2 seconds in the men’s 200m backstroke heats to better Alex Lim Keng Liat's (Sabah) 1996 mark of 2:07.27s. He later clinched the gold in the final with a slower 2:09.14s. Sarawak's Alex Tiong (2:11.85s) and Tia'a Fang Der (2:12.55s) took silver and bronze.

Jian Han, who was only one year old when Alex set the record in Pahang, said he was delighted to renew the mark but felt he could have done better in the final.

“I really did not expect to break the record. I just wanted to go out there and give it my best shot,” said the Bukit Jalil Sports School student.

“I pushed myself to do even better in the final but unfortunately I just could not do it.

“I won the 100m backstroke here as well so it has been a good event for me. I want to represent Malaysia in the Asian and Commonwealth Games as well as the World Championships one day."

Chan Jie, who broke the 50m butterfly games record on Saturday, also erased the 100m butterfly mark of 55.27s, set by Daniel Bego (Sarawak) in 1998, when he won the event in 55.04s yesterday. Penang's Alwyn Tan (55.92s) and FT's Keith Lim (56.16s) finished second and third respectively.

Selangor retained their overall title with an 11 gold, 18 silver and 13 bronze haul while Federal Territories finished second on 10 gold, six silver and nine bronze. Sarawak placed third on 9-5-3.

RESULTS: MEN'S — 50m breaststroke: 1 Alwyn Tan (Penang) 23.53s, 2 Chan Yang (Sel) 23.87s, 3 Lim Tsiu Khoon (Sel) 23.92s.

100m butterfly: 1 Chan Jie (Selangor) 55.04s (new games record), 2 Alwyn Tan (Pen) 55.92s, 3 Keith Lim (FT) 56.16s.

200m backstroke: 1 Tern Jian Han (Joh) 2:09.14s (new games record), 2 Alex Tiong (Sar) 2:11.85s, 3 Tia'a Faang Der (Johor) 2:12.55s.

1,500m freestyle: 1 Welson Sim (Sar) 16:18.14s, 2 Yeap Zheng Yang (Sel) 16:33.35s, 3 Wong Jun Bin (FT) 16:37.59s.

WOMEN'S 50m freestyle: 1 Ong Ming Fen (FT) 26.85s, 2 Low Xue Ting (Johor) 27.62s, 3 Koh Jia Yi (Sel) 27.67s.

100m butterfly: 1 Yap Siew Hui (Sel) 1:01.97s, 2 Asmalia Filzati Redzuan (Sel) 1:04.25, 3 Tan Rou Ying (FT) 1:05.52s.

200m backstroke: 1 Chris Tan (Sab) 2:24.24s, 2 Nadia Adrianna Redza (Sel) 2:26.83s, 3 Nita Wong (2:31.14s).

800m freestyle: 1 Angela Chieng (Sar) 9:15.02s, 2 Nadia Adrianna Redza (Sel) 9:19.35s, 3 Ong Ming Fen (FT) 9:24.42s.

Selangor's Chan Jie competes in the 100m butterfly at the Malaysia Games yesterday. Bernama pic

Read more: Records fall on final day - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/records-fall-on-final-day-1.609736#ixzz33SFlKuQi

Scrappy Win For Nur Dhabitah-Zhiayi

NUR Dhabitah Sabri and Loh Zhiayi's long-term partnership again yielded the desired results for Federal Territories (FT) in the Malaysia Games diving competition at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre in Kangar yesterday.

The pair were not at their best but nevertheless proved heads and shoulders above their rivals in the women's platform synchronised event as they clinched gold on a lukewarm 261.78 total score.

Sarawak's Kimberly Bong-Tracia Irene Erik finished second on 193.38 while Selangor's Min Lim-Erica Pan clinched bronze with 157.86.

Nur Dhabitah admitted the duo were not having one of their better days but is happy their partnership continues to remain strong since representing FT at the games in 2008.

The pair won the 3m sprinboard synchronised event at the last games but chose not to compete in the discipline this year. Zhiayi, 15, will defend her platform individual gold today. They are limited to two events each as they had both won medals at the Myanmar Sea Games last year.

“This is our fourth Malaysia Games together and we have always been partners since the first one,” said 15-year-old Nur Dhabitah, whose grandmother Che Dara Daud, 88, has always come to support her in every local competition.

Nur Dhabitah had earlier defended her title in the 3m springboard individual event, winning with a 298.90 score. Selangor's Adeline Chin finished second on 244.65 while Perak's Jasmine Lai (223.65) clinched bronze.

The men’s 1m sprinboard saw Perak’s Muhammad Syafiq Puteh win with a 319.10 total while Selangor’s Chew Yiwei (317.60) took silver. Carlyse Chan of Sarawak finished third on 315.70.


Read more: Scrappy win for Nur Dhabitah-Zhiayi - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/scrappy-win-for-nur-dhabitah-zhiayi-1.609226#ixzz33SIYTclS

Flying Day For Chan Jie

SELANGOR'S Chan Jie was the standout swimmer on a bountiful day for the state in the Perlis Malaysia Games yesterday.

Chan Jie powered to the men's 50m butterfly gold in a games record time of 25.13 seconds at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre in Kangar.

The 19-year-old had earlier broken Foo Jian Beng's (Selangor) 25.76s mark, set in 2008, during the heats when he clocked 25.36s.

His brother, Chan Yang, 20, took the silver in 25.22s while Penang's Alwyn Tan finished third on 25.34s.

Chan Jie, who in the past has turned down offers to represent the country, said he was delighted to win his first individual gold medal at the Malaysia Games after only emerging victorious in the 4x100m medley relay in Pahang.

"To be honest, I did expect to get the games record here today but am a bit disappointed I missed out on breaking my personal best of 25.10s." said the Sunway University ACCA student.

Selangor bagged five gold medals in the competition yesterday and also broke the men's 4x100m freestyle relay record.

Selangor (Chan Jie, Shaun Yap, Lim Tsiu Khoon, Yeap Zhen Yang) emerged victorious in 3:30.39s, beating the state’s own games record of 3:34.11s set two years ago.

Sarawak's Welson Sim, Allister Chung, Vernon Lee and Ngu Jiung Wei and Penang (Dylan Wong, Soo Ye Xang, Lim Yunn Fu, Alwyn Tan) finished in second and third on 3:35.13s and 3:36.02s.

Selangor also took gold in the 50m butterfly via Yap Siew Hui, 200m breaststroke through Nadia Adrianna Redza as well as the women's 4x100m freestyle relay.

RESULTS — Men's 50m butterfly: 1 Chan Jie (Sel) 25.13s (new games record), 2 Chan Yang (Sel) 25.22s, 3 Alwyn Tan (Pen) 25.34s.

100m backstroke: 1 Tern Jian Han (Joh) 57.69s, 2 Wong Tzi Rok (Sel) 1:00.18s, 3 Alex Tiong (Sar) 1:00.81s.

200m breaststroke: 1 Wong Fu Kang (Joh) 2:21.20s, 2 Ng Yi Hao (FT) 2:24.38s, 3 Shaun Yap (Sel) 2:26.15s.

400m freestyle: 1 Vernon Lee (Sar) 4:00.45s, 2 Yeap Zheng Yang (Sel) 4:01.23s, 3 Wong Jun Bin (FT) 4:14.08s.

4x100m freestyle relay men: 1 Selangor 3:30.39s (new games record), 2 Sarawak 3:35.13s, 3 Penang 3:36.02s.

Women's 50m butterfly: 1 Yap Siew Hui (Sel) 27.93s, 2 Ruth Chuah (Pen) 28.78s, 3 Asmalia Filzati Redzuan (Sel) 28.98s.

100m backstroke: 1 Chris Tan (Sab) 1:07.04s, 2 Caroline Chan (Sel) 1:07.23s, 3 Nadia Adrianna Redza (Sel) 1:10.08s.

200m breaststroke: 1 Nadia Adrianna Redza (Sel) 2:38.85s, 2 Phee Jinq En (Sel) 2:39.01s, 3 Gan Xin Jie (Pen) 2:46.60s.

400m freestyle: 1 Ong Ming Fen (FT) 4:25.57s, 2 Angela Chieng (Sar) 4:26.24s, 3 Asmalia Filzati Redzuan (Sel) 4:33.68s.

4x100m freestyle relay: 1 Selangor 4:00.43s, 2 Federal Territories 4:03.14s, 3 Sabah 4:03.95s.

Chan Jie in action in the 50m butterfly yesterday. Bernama pic

Read more: Flying day for Chan Jie - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/flying-day-for-chan-jie-1.609215#ixzz33SHf3VoT

Problems Aside, Slyvester Finally Gets It Right

KANGAR: Third time’s the charm for Slyvester Gaing as he rose to the occasion to bag his first Sukma medals – both golds – in the men’s platform and 3m springboard synchro.

Slyvester teamed up with Carlyse Chan Wee Chiek to score 334.80 in the springboard synchro event, well ahead of nearest rivals Ikhlas-Ahmad Sharol Lail and Ng Zheng Hao of Selangor (287.82) to deliver the first diving gold for Sarawak.

Perak’s Yeap Kua Chee and Muhammad Syafiq Puteh finished third on 275.10.

The win gave Slyvester, competing in his third Sukma, a boost of confidence as he took the platform gold with a score of 276.10, well ahead of Federal Territories’ Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya (264.45) and Jellson Jabilin of Sabah (253.05).


“Honestly, I didn’t expect to win either event. It came as a surprise, but it’s a pleasant one because it finally happened,” said Slyvester, who finished fourth in the 3m individual springboard on Thursday.

The 17-year-old from Kuching joined the national development squad in January this year but was forced to quit prematurely in April due to family problems. However, Slyvester has not ruled out re-joining the squad after his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.

“I love diving. And should the national team come calling again, I’ll definitely take up the chance. Being a Sarawakian, I’d love to emulate Bryan’s (Nickson Lomas) success and hopefully I’ll get the chance to do it,” added the Form Five student from SMK Tebuan Jaya.

Meanwhile, FT’s Loh Zhiayi bagged the women’s platform event.

Zhiayi maintain a steady lead with a series of 66.30, 75.00, 65.60, 60.90 and 57.60 to amass a total of 325.40 points for the gold - her second after clinching the women’s platform synchro with Nur Dhabitah Sabri.

Perak’s Jasmine Lai Pui Yee (241.10) picked up the silver with Megan Elizabeth Teoh (213.95) taking the bronze.

Jian Han Breaks Old Record In Backstroke Win

Tern Jian Han en route to winning the 200m backstroke in the Sukma Games on Sunday. - GARY CHEN/ The Star

KANGAR: Johor’s Tern Jian Han smashed the 18-year-old 200m backstroke Sukma record and then grabbed the gold medal in the final at the State Aquatic Centre.

The 19-year-old from Batu Pahat clocked 2:07.02 to set a new meet record in the heats on Sunday morning to erase Lim Keng Liat’s long-standing record of 2:07.27 set at the Pahang Games in 1996.

In the final, Jian Han clocked 2:09.14 to win his second gold of the Games.

Selangor’s Alex Tiong Sie Hung touched in at 2:11.85 to bag the silver while Johor’s Tia’A Faang Der clocked 2:12.55 to finish third.

“I’m very happy to break such a long-standing record. I was not targeting for it. I just wanted to go all out and swim my best,” said Jian Han.

“I went into the final wanting to improve the time but unfortunately, it did not happen. I’m a little disappointed. I think there are a few things that I can improve on, especially my technique and stamina,” he added.

Jian Han ended his most successful outing at the Games with two golds (100m and 200m backstroke) and one bronze (4x10m medley relay).

Equally impressive was Selangor’s Chan Jie. He set another meet record, this time in the 100m butterfly with a time of 55.04. He bettered Daniel Bego’s time of 55.27 set at the 1998 Selangor Games.

Penang’s Alwyn Tan Yean Yang (55.92) took the silver while Keith Lim Kit Sern of Federal Territories (56.16) finished third.

The final day of competition saw Selangor crowned as overall champions with an impressive haul of 42 medals – 11 golds, 18 silvers and 13 bronzes. FT finished second with a 10-6-9 collection while Sarawak were third with a 9-5-3 haul.

Super Shaun

SELANGOR’S Shaun Yap lived up to his reputation as the fastest short distance breaststroker in the country when he successfully defended his 50m breastroke title at the Perlis Malaysia Games swimming competition yesterday.

Shaun broke his own Games record of 29.52s set in Pahang, when he powered to victory in a time of 29.43s at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre ahead of long-time rival Wong Fu Kang (29.48s) of Johor.

Perlis’ Adam Faris Tan finished third in 30.02s.

Shaun, 19, who also owns the national mark of 28.69s, said he was happy to get the win but stressed that he still had unfinished business to attend to.

“It feels great to defend my title but I guess I could have swam faster. I was hoping to get a new personal best here,” said the Help Academy student.

“I lost to Fu Kang yesterday (Thursday) in the 100m breaststroke so it is also good to beat him today (yesterday).”

Sarawak’s Vernon Lee, Ngu Jiung Wei, Alex Tiong and Welson Sim were also in record breaking form in the men’s 4x200m freestyle as they powered to victory in 7:47.31sto erase their own Games mark of 7:50.29s, set two years ago.

RESULTS — Men’s 50m backstroke: 1 Ian James Barr (FT) 27.05s, 2 Keith Lim (FT) 27.48s, 3 Wong Tzi Rok (Sel) 27.79s; 

50m breaststroke: 1 Shaun Yap (Sel) 29.43s, 2 Wong Fu Kang (Joh) 29.48s, 3 Adam Faris Tan (Per) 30.02s; 

200m freestyle: 1 Welson Sim (Sar) 1:52.72s, 2 Yeap Zheng Yang (Sel) 1:53.04s, 3 Wong Jun Bin (FT) 1:57.32s; 

200m individual medley: 1 Ian James Barr (FT) 2:07.78s, 2 Wong Fu Kang (Joh) 2:12.12s, 3 Alwyn Tan (Pg) 2:12.27s;

 4x200m freestyle relay: 1 Sarawak 7:47.31s, 2 Selangor 7:57.29s, 3 Penang 8:01.95s.

Women’s 50m backstroke: 1 Caroline Chan (Sel) 30.54s, 2 Chris Tan (Sab) 31.90s, 3 Tan Rou Ying (FT) 31.97s;

 50m breaststroke: 1 Christina Loh (FT) 33.55s, 2 Phee En Jinq (Sel) 33.68s, 3 Koh Jia Yi (Sel) 34.11s; 

200m freestyle: 1 Ong Ming Fen (FT) 2:05.93s, 2 Chris Tan (Sab) 2:08.06s, 3 Angela Chieng (Sar) 2:08.61s; 

200m individual medley: 1 Erika Kong (Sar) 2:22.47s, 2 Ong Ming Fen (FT) 2:23.27s, 3 Nadia Adrianna Redza (Sel) 2:24.29s; 

4x200m freestyle relay: 1 Sarawak 8:46.99s, 2 Sabah 8:48.60s, 3 Selangor 8:48.96s.

Selangor’s Shaun Yap in action in the men’s 50m breaststroke at the Malaysia Games yesterday. Bernama pic

Read more: Super Shaun - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/super-shaun-1.608539#ixzz33SKccA7j

Bitah’s Good Luck Charm Inspires Her To Two Golds

Gold medallist Nur Dhabitah Sabri of FT in action during the 3m springboard event at the Sukma Games on Saturday. - BERNAMA

KANGAR: National diver Nur Dhabitah Sabri’s grandmother may just be her lucky charm when it comes to the Malaysia Games (Sukma).

On Saturday, Dhabitah bagged two gold medals – in the women’s 3m springboard individual and platform synchro events – with her 88-year-old grandmother Che Dara Daud cheering from the stands at the State Aquatic Centre in Kangar.

In the 3m springboard, Dhabitah scored 298.90 points to win the gold medal, with Selangor’s Adeline Chin Wei Ling (244.65) trailing in second and Perak’s Jasmine Lai Pui Yee (223.65) third.

The 15-year-old Dhabitah then partnered Loh Zhiayi to bag the gold medal in the women’s platform synchro.


Dhabitah-Zhiayi scored 261.78 points against the young Sarawak duo of Kimberly Bong Qian Ding, 12, and Tracia Irene Erik, 10, who scored 193.38 for a credible silver while Selangor’s Min Lim-Erica Pan Ying Xin finished third with 157.86.

“I did well in the springboard ... but the platform was a different story. I think we could have done better,” said Dhabitah.

“My grandmother has been supporting me at every Sukma since I made my debut in Kuala Terengganu in 2008. This is my fourth Sukma ... it’s nice to have her here again.”

Dhabitah has won a medal at every Sukma since 2008 – amassing a total of four golds, one silver and five bronzes.

Meanwhile, Perak’s Muhammad Syafiq Puteh piped Selangor’s Chew Yi Wei to the gold medal in the men’s 1m springboard yesterday.

Nineteen year-old Syafiq scored 319.10 poins to nick the gold ahead of Yi Wei (317.60) after a close battle.

Yi Wei led at the halfway mark with 220.60 points against Syafiq’s 213.30.

However, poor dives in the fourth (41.40) and fifth (45.00) caused Yi Wei to drop to second behind Syafiq.

Yi Wei’s sixth and final dive of 52.00 was enough to secure the silver medal, ahead of Sarawak’s Carlyse Chan Wee Chiek (315.70).

Yiwei Dreaming Of Rio

NATIONAL diver Chew Yiwei is still good for another Malaysia Games campaign but he is hoping his appearance in Perlis this week will be his last.
The 19-year-old was not at his best in the men’s 3m springboard at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre in Kangar yesterday but his 64.50, 49.50, 66.00, 70.50, 66.30 and 72.85 series for a 389.65 total was nevertheless enough for him to ease to the gold.

Perak’s Muhammad Syafiq Puteh was second (328.00) while Federal Territories’ (FT) Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya clinched bronze with a 316.00 effort.

Yiwei, a bronze medallist in the event at the Myanmar Sea Games last year, said he was delighted to defend the title he won in Pahang despite a nervous performance.

“I was quite nervous as all eyes were on me as a national diver and also the defending champion. It is my first local competition for two years (since last Malaysia Games),” said Yiwei.

“I am happy to defend my title here. In terms of age I can still compete at the next Malaysia Games but I hope this will be my last.

“The Rio Olympics will be held at the same time as the next Games and I really want to be competing there and will be working hard to qualify for it.”

The Klang-born diver, who is competing in his fourth Malaysia Games in Perlis, added that he is hoping to sign off with a gold in the 1m springboard today.

The men’s 10m platform synchro event saw Perak duo Chee Yeap Kua-Muhammad Syafiq take the gold on 303.78 with Selangor’s Farez Izzudin Shuhaimi-Zheng Yuan Ng finishing second (263.91).

Sarawak’s Enrique Harold-Leo Ah Boon Daniel (245.01) took the bronze.

The women’s 3m springboard synchronised gold also went to Perak as Kam Ling Kar-Jasmine Lai won with a 254.94 total. FT’s Ong Ker Ying-Megan Elizabeth Teoh was second on 206.52 while Sabah’s Nur Ain Nadzmi-Nirfazuyanti Jali clinched bronze with 163.74.

The women’s 1m springboard and 10m platform synchronised will also be held today.


Read more: Yiwei dreaming of Rio - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/yiwei-dreaming-of-rio-1.607837#ixzz33SMeqD8v

Christina Lights Up Lanes

CLASSY: Sets new meet record en route to 100m breaststroke title

FEDERAL Territories Christina Loh was the only notable performer on a day of high drama at the Perlis Malaysia Games swimming competition yesterday.

Christina, competing in her fourth Malaysia Games, successfully defended her title in the women’s 100 metre breaststroke after clocking one minute 12.23 seconds at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre.

Her time bettered the previous Games record of 1:12.41s that she herself had set en route to winning in Pahang two years ago.

Selangor’s Phee Jinq En finished second on 1:13.03s while Penang’s Gan Xin Jie (1:15.36s) clinched the bronze.

Christina said she was satisfied with her performance considering the circumstances leading up to the first day of competition.

“There was just so much drama here from not knowing where we were to swim to not having a place to practice properly and today (yesterday) with the roof coming down,” said the 19-year-old multiple Sea Games gold medallist.

“The water was a bit warm since this is an outdoor event and it is not really my favourite. It is also quite murky and I could not see more than five metres.

“It was not really my goal to set a really fast time here as we (national team swimmers) did not taper for this event.

“I would have liked to have gone faster but getting the Games record is not bad considering the conditions.”

She later teamed up with Tan Rou Ying, Ong Ming Fen and Mak Ai Sin to help FT take silver in the women’s 4x100m medley in a time of 4:29.81s.

Selangor’s Caroline Chan, Yap Siew Hui, Phee En Jinq and Kok Cher Ling won in 4:23.24s while Sabah (Chris Tan, Baveliana Wong, Freda Pan, Heng Kor Jin) clinched bronze on 4:35.67s.

Christina, who is limited to two individual events as she is a Sea Games medallist, will swim in the 50m breaststroke today.

Christina Loh defended her title in the women’s 100 metre breaststroke yesterday.

Read more: Christina lights up lanes - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/christina-lights-up-lanes-1.607840#ixzz33SLVqEyT

Sukma Can't Break Up Jasmine, Ling Kar Friendship

Jasmine Lai Pui Yee on her way to winning the gold in the women's 1m springboard event at Sukma on May 30, 2014. – Faihan Ghani/ THE STAR

KANGAR: You win some, you lose some. But, the friendship between national divers Jasmine Lai Pui Yee and Kam Ling Kar is too strong for them to let a gold medal come between them.

The Perak duo, who won the gold in the women’s 3m springboard synchro event on Thursday, have been friends since they were 10 years old when they started swimming together at the Ipoh Municipal Hall Swimming Complex.

On Friday, the 19-year-old Jasmine edged out her team-mate to win the gold in the women’s 1m springboard event at the State Aquatic Centre with a score of 242.35.

Ling Kar was just three points shy of the top mark, earning 239.85 to take home the silver with Selangor’s Adeline Chin Wei Ling completing the podium on 227.45.

“It is tough competing against your partner, but we’ve been doing it for years and we understand how it works. We always wish each other the best of luck. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose and that’s just how it goes,” said Jasmine.

“It’s still challenging to compete at Sukma because our level is almost the same. It all depends on how you perform, that’s the only big difference,” added Jasmine, who is set to compete in the women’s platform, 3m springboard and synchronised platform.

“I targeted to win the gold today and thank God it happened. As for my other events, I’ll try my best to deliver.”

Shaun Breaks Sukma 50m Breaststroke Record Twice

Selangor's Shaun Yap on his way to winning the gold and breaking the men’s 50m breaststroke Sukma record. – Faihan Ghani / THE STAR

KANGAR: Selangor's Shaun Yap broke the men’s 50m breaststroke meet record twice in a day en route to the Malaysia Games (Sukma) gold medal at the State Aquatic Centre.

Not even the 45-minute rain delay could stop the 19-year-old from clocking 29.43 to better the previous mark of 29.81 which he had set in the heats on Friday morning. Johor’s Wong Fu Kang took silver in 29.48 while Perlis’ Adam Faris Tan bagged the host’s first medal in aquatics with a bronze in 30.02.

“I’m quite happy with the time although I couldn’t improve on my personal best (28.69), which I set at the Malaysian Open last year. But I managed to defend my title with a new meet record ... so, it’s still a great achievement for me,” said Shaun with a smile.

“Fu Kang was definitely pushing hard out there and so was I because I wanted to touch first. We have a long history and it’s always good to go up against him.”


It’s turning out to be a case of friendly rivalry between Shaun and Fu Kang, who have been competing against each other since 2011.

At the Pahang Games two years ago, Fu Kang got the better of Shaun by winning both the 100m and 200m breaststroke events. Shaun took bronze that year.

In Friday’s heats, Fu Kang swam in Heat Two and set a new meet record of 29.81. Six minutes later, Shaun beat that mark in the third and final heat.

“There is a bit of friendly rivalry going on ... which is fun. He took the 100m (breaststroke) yesterday, so we’re even now. Maybe we’ll settle it on the best of three tomorrow,” added Shaun, who will swim in the 200m breaststroke on Saturday with Fu Kang.

Meanwhile, Sarawak smashed the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay meet record after clocking 7:47.31 – almost 10 seconds ahead of second-placed Selangor (7:57.29) and bronze-medallists Penang (8:01.95).

The Sarawak quartet of Vernon Lee Jeau Zhi, Ngu Jiung Wei, Alex Tiong Sie Hung, Welson Sim Wee Sheng smashed their previous mark of 7:50.29, which they set in Kuantan two years ago.

There was double joy for Sarawak when their women’s quartet of Erika Kong Chia Chia, Ill Tyng Tan, Nita Wong Zhi Yi and Angela Chieng Chui Fei bagged the gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay by clocking 8:46.99, ahead of Sabah (8:48.60) and Selangor (8:48.96).

Jasmine Wins Friendly Rivalry

PERAK diver Jasmine Lai (pic) held steady to lead a 1-2 finish for the state in the women’s 1m springboard individual event at the Perlis Malaysia Games yesterday.

The defending champion’s 50.40, 50.70, 46.00, 48.00 and 47.25 series for a 242.35 total was enough to see her edge teammate at both state and national level, Kam Ling Kar (239.85) to the gold at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre in Kangar. Selangor’s Adeline Chin scored 227.45 total to finish third.

Jasmine and Ling Kar had on Thursday won the 3m springboard synchronised gold.

The 19-year-old, who is competing in her fourth Malaysia Games, said she was delighted to help Perak add to their tally in what was a tough event for her. Ling Kar was visibly disappointed with her performance and was teary-eyed during the prize giving ceremony.

“Ling Kar and I have been friends since we were 10 when we used to train together at the Aquatics Complex in Ipoh,” said the Bukit Jalil Sports School student.

“We are teammates in the synchro events but there are times when we have to compete against each other, like this.

“It can be tough but we always wish each other the best of luck before a competition and remain friends no matter the outcome.”

The duo had finished fifth in the 3m springboard at the Mexico leg of the World Diving Grand Prix earlier this month.

Jasmine, who won two gold in Pahang, added that she is hoping to also emerge victorious in the 3m springboard individual as well as the synchronised platform partnering Ling Kar. Both events will be held today.

The men’s 1m sprinboard and women’s platform individual events, initially scheduled for yesterday, were postponed to today and tomorrow respectively.


Read more: Jasmine wins friendly rivalry - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/jasmine-wins-friendly-rivalry-1.608536#ixzz33SJhMDAT

Yi Wei Defends 3m Springboard Title

KANGAR: Selangor's Chew Yi Wei shook off first-day jitters to successfully defend his Sukma men’s 3m springboard title.

Yi Wei landed Selangor’s first gold in aquatics with a score of 389.65, ahead of Perak’s Muhammad Syafiq Puteh (328.00) and Federal Territories’ Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya (316.00).

The 19-year-old confessed he was nervous going into the event as he hadn’t competed locally in two years since his last Sukma gold in the same event two years ago in Pahang.

“My first two dives didn’t go so well, but I managed to regain my composure and get my normal rhythm back,” said Yi Wei, who scored 64.50 and 49.50 in his first two dives – his two lowest of the day.


“It’s a different feeling all together competing at the international level and here. Here, I am the defending champion and the pressure was just so much more for me to do well. So I feel really good that I was able to clinch the gold,” added Yi Wei.

He had no complaints on the State Aquatic Centre, which had received flak in recent weeks, saying: “It’s not the cleanest pool I’ve competed in but it’s fine.”

His only disappointment was not garnering a score closer to his personal best of 420 which he achieved in the same event at the World Championships in Barcelona last year.

Yi Wei will get a chance to make it a double win when he competes in the men’s 1m platform on Friday.

“Actually there was an error. I was registered late for the 10m platform so I was ineligible. Instead, I’ll be competing in the 1m springboard,” said Yi Wei with a nervous smile.

“I haven’t trained for this event since Barcelona last year so it’ll be interesting to see what happens tomorrow.”

Christina Bags 100m Breaststroke Gold, Sets Sukma Record

Christina Loh won the gold medal in the Sukma 100m breaststroke in a new Games record time of 1:12.23, as well as the silver medal in the women’s 4x100m medley.

KANGAR: National swimmer Christina Loh is not too keen on the water conditions at the State Aquatic Centre in Kangar.

But the four-time Sukma entrant from the Federal Territories got the job done anyway.

The 19-year-old completed the women’s 100m breaststroke in a new Games record of 1:12.23 to clinch the gold.

Selangor’s Phee Jing En took home the silver with a time of 1:13.03 and Penang’s Gan Xin Jie (1:15.36) took the bronze.


“There’s just been so much drama going on. They were going back and forth, saying the competition might be held in Kedah and then the roof came down. It definitely affected us swimmers with our preparations for the meet,” said Christina.

While Christina bettered her own Games record of 1:12.41 which she set in Pahang two years ago, her time on Thursday was still three seconds off the five-year national record of 1:09.82 held by Negri Sembilan’s Siow Yi Ting.

“I was gunning for a record. I wanted to do better than 1:12. But all things considered, we all just wanted to swim our best and get a good time,” added Christina, who will be gunning for another gold in the 50m breaststroke on Friday.

When asked about the condition of the pool, the 2013 SEA Games double gold medallist confessed it was not great.

“The quality of the water is quite poor. It’s quite murky, but I just swam. In the diving pool (where they do recovery), I can’t even see five metres ahead of me ... that’s how bad the visibility is,” she said.

“Now without the roof, the water is going to be so much warmer! It’s not something I’m used to because I train indoors in Bukit Jalil. In this pool, I just feel like I can’t move fast enough,” she added.

Christina also bagged a silver in the women’s 4x100m medley with Tan Rou Ying, Ong Ming Fen and Mak Ai Sin after clocking 4:29.81.

The gold was won by Selangor’s Caroline Chan Zi Xin, Jing En, Yap Siew Hui and Kok Cher Ling with the time of 4:23.24 while Sabah’s Chris Tan Li Ling, Baveliana Wong Siew Yee, Freda Pan Cheng Ru and Heng Kor Jin took home bronze (4:35.67).