Mission completed
Compound archers reach target after mixed team success
THE compound archery competition schedule was drawn up to accommodate Fatin Nurfatehah Mat Salleh’s two-pronged mission: the ongoing SEA Games and the World University
Games (Universiade) in
Taiwan from Aug 19-30.
And she completed the first part of her mission by winning the compound mixed team event with Mohd Juwaidi Mazuki at the National Archery Range in KL Sports City yesterday.
They defeated Myanmar’s Aung Ngeain-Ye Min Swe 152-142 to defend the gold they won in Singapore two years ago.
It was also second gold for Juwaidi and Fatin, who were also part of the victorious men and women’s teams on Thursday.
Juwaidi-Fatin knew the mixed team gold was as good as theirs when Min Swe blundered with the team’s seventh shot – hitting his teammate’s target instead of his own – to give the home pair a commanding 38-28 lead.
Juwaidi-Fatin then made the most of it to romp to a comfortable victory.
“Even when our opponent made the mistake, we knew it was far from over,” said Juwaidi.
“We did not get carried away. I think we could have done a lot better (with the final score), but I’m glad we won the gold.”
Fatin, who barely had time to celebrate as she had a flight to catch to Taiwan in the evening, said: “I want to thank the association (National Archery Association of Malaysia) for taking the trouble to move the compound competition earlier so that I could compete in both equally important Games.
“I hope I have justified their faith in drawing up the schedule to accommodate me by winning these two SEA Games golds. I’m looking forward to carrying the positive momentum to Taiwan and hopefully achieve another podium finish.”
With three golds in the bag, the national compound team have achieved their target.
Juwaidi and Fatin were also silver and bronze medallists in the individual events on Wednesday.
Fatin also brushed aside suggestions that she regretted not being able to repeat her treble gold medal feat at the Singapore Games.
“There’s nothing to dwell on. I did my very best and I’m still happy with the two golds and one bronze,” said Fatin.
There will be five more archery golds up for grabs when the recurve discipline starts tomorrow.