Form deserts Irfan in Doha
national athletes endured mixed fortunes on the opening day of the Asian Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar on Sunday.
Discus thrower Irfan Shamsuddin, a silver medallist at the 2017 Bhubaneswar edition, was eliminated after his third attempt.
Irfan managed a best effort of 55.18 metres to finish ninth overall. His performance was some way off the 60.96m he managed en route to winning silver in 2017 and was even further from his personal best of 62.55m.
Sprinter Zulfiqar Ismail reached the semi-finals of the 100m, which was held late yesterday, after finishing fourth in his heat by clocking 10.55s.
Triple jumper Hakimi Ismail also progressed with his 16.08m effort in qualifying, placing him fourth from 12 jumpers. This earned him a spot in the final, also held late yesterday.
Malaysia Athletics Federation (MAF) president Datuk Karim Ibrahim said Irfan could have finished in the medals if he was able to reproduce his form two years ago.
“He won silver two years ago on 60.96m and this result, or his personal best of 62.55m, would have seen him defend his silver,” said Karim.
“His 55.18m, however, is enough for him to defend his Sea Games title if the event is held this year in the Philippines.”
Iran notched a 1-2 in the discus final through Ehsan Hadadi who emerged victorious on a new meet record of 65.95m and Behnam Shrijabilou (60.89m). Jordan’s Musab Momani completed the podium on 58.27m.
Irfan won the gold at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games with a throw of 58.36m.