IN ONE-TWO FINISH
Pregnant Quzandria pips brother Qabil to victory
AJITPAL SINGH ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my horse, Rosenstolz, at 3Q Equestrian Centre in Rawang.
And it was memorable as she beat her elder brother, Qabil Ambak on Walkuere, for the first time in 16 years in the Sea Games.
Quzandria came out swinging with a riveting performance to earn 152.029 per cent from two stages, while the 37year-old Qabil, who won the title in the 2001 (KL), 2005 (Manila) and 2007 (Korat) editions, took second spot with 149.547 per cent.
Singapore’s Caroline Chew on Tribiani picked up the bronze medal with 145.988 per cent.
Quzandria and Qabil had led Malaysia to the team gold on Tuesday.
“I am five months pregnant. I consulted my doctor before the Sea Games and subsequently decided to compete,” said an emotional Quzandria, who came out of retirement after a 10-year absence for the Sea Games, yesterday.
“When I was training and competing, I told myself not to think about my pregnancy and that it would not stop me from achieving my goal.
“Maybe, my pregnancy brought me luck today. Things were more challenging today but the win made it even more meaningful.”
Quzandria was delighted to finally beat Qabil for the gold.
“Qabil and I worked so hard for the Sea Games in the last six months, and for us to finish one-and-two makes it memorable.
“I am not sure whether Qabil and I will continue to ride after the Sea Games. We will decide later,” said Quzandria, who also relegated her brother to third in the 2010 Asian Games for the silver medal.
Qabil was proud of his sister’s feat.
“She worked very hard and she deserves this victory.
“It was a huge challenge to comeback to competition mode after retirement… glad we contributed both titles,” said Qabil in his fifth Sea Games outing.
Qabil, who has won 10 Sea Games titles, will compete in the individual and team show jumping events tomorrow.
When I was training and competing, I told myself not to think about my pregnancy and that it would not stop me from achieving my goal.”