Chong Wei, Mei Kuan-Vivian bag gold
Rhinos still on track – Jelius
Malaysia’s Datuk Lee Chong Wei clinched the gold medal in the men’s singles final at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
GOLD COAST: Malaysia’s Datuk Lee Chong Wei clinched the gold medal in the men’s singles final at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
In the final at the Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre here, Chong Wei outclassed the world number one K. Srikanth of India 19-21, 21-14, 21-14.
This is Chong Wei’s third Commonwealth Games gold medal in the men’s singles after winning it in 2006 and 2010.
With yesterday’s feat, Chong Wei, who made his last appearance in the Commonwealth Games, equalled badminton men’s doubles player Koo Kien Keat’s record of five gold medals. His other gold medals were won in the team events in the 2006 Melbourne and 2010 New Delhi editions respectively.
“It was truly a sweet moment for me to win a gold medal in my final Commonwealth Games. I knew it would be tough after going down in the first set but I told myself that I could do it,” he said.
It was an electrifying final with fans from both countries shouting hoarse to cheer their “gladiator”.
At the women’s doubles court, Malaysia’s pair Chow Mei KuanVivian Hoo bagged the gold medal in the final battle against England’s Lauren Smith-Sarah Walker in a straight set of 21-12, 21-12.
Mei Kuan and Vivian had only been formed as a pair in February after Woon Khe Wei was injured, marking Mei Kuan’s Commonwealth debut.
Badminton closed its campaign with two gold, one silver and two bronze medals below its three gold target set earlier.
The silver medal was won in the mixed team while the bronze medals were won by men’s doubles Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and mixed doubles Chan Peng SoonGoh Liu Ying.
The Malaysian contingent have completed their Commonwealth Games campaign in the 12th position with seven gold, five silver and 12 bronze medals
Despite failing to be in the top 10 group, the national contingent succeeded in surpassing their achievement in Glasgow, Scotland four years ago with seven gold medals. – Bernama KOTA KINABALU: Head coach Jelius Ating said the Rhinos are still on track in their Premier League campaign despite the 1-1 home draw against Felda United FC on Saturday.
The outcome at the Likas Stadium near here stretched Sabah’s unbeaten start to the season to seven matches but with four of games ending in a draw, it had denied them a better point tally and league position.
The Rhinos slipped to third on 13 points with their superior goals difference keeping Felcra FC, who have similar points, fourth in the 12-team table.
Sarawak, who won 2-1 at UKM FC, replaced the Rhinos in second place on 14 points while unbeaten Felda remained on top at 19 points.
“Overall, I’m happy with the team’s performance. It is only a draw but we are playing against Felda who were supposed to play in the Super League.
“We nearly got the better of Felda on the night,” said Jelius when met after the final whistle.
“If you look at the match, we created many chances and all were much more dangerous (chances) than that of Felda’s.
“In fact Felda, got their goal not from smooth team movements but from our own mistake. It was a weakness from our players, that I have to admit.
“But overall, I have to praise the players, they tried their best to win the game despite falling a goal down.
“It ended in a draw but what’s important was that we did not lose at home or lose all the points in a home fixtures,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jelius revealed Heo Jaenyeong was taken off after only 19 minutes of play due to an injury to his right knee.
That change, however, allowed him to switch Sabah’s formation from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2, which contributed to a much improved performance from the homesters.
“Injury forced the substitution rather than tactical. Heo had a similar injury last year so he had asked to be taken off.
“However, Randy (Baruh) was brought on for Heo and that is why we revert to a four-man defence, with Mafry (Balang) filling in for Heo in midfield.
“We have planned and prepared for this in training and that showed that we can rely on any of the players, including the locals, to carry out their task on the field.
“Mafry did well when asked to play as the defensive midfield...I have to praise him for that,” he said.
On the mistake that led to Iain Ramsay’s opening goal for Felda, Jelius said it was a bad mistake but the team had to learn and move on from the incident.
Captain Rawilson Batuil’s underhit back pass allowed Ramsay to steal the ball and fire past goalkeeper Robson Rendy Rining.
Jelius said he had talked to Rawilson on the incident but he was quick to point out that fatigue could have led to some of the players losing their focus and sharpness in the game.
“Some of the players were not at their best tonight. They lacked focus...one of the reasons could be that they were tired, especially after 70 or 80 minutes.
“These are the areas that we will try to improve in training and hopefully, we will be better when we return to league action,” he said.
Jelius will have around 10 days to rectify the weaknesses before the Rhinos play consecutive away matches against UKM FC on April 24 and Penang on April 28.