A different kind of kick
Rozaimi savours lucky gold thanks to the judges
MALAYSIA’S Rozaimi Rozali can thank his lucky stars – and the judges – for winning gold in the men’s taekwondo below 68kg category.
The Malaysian was trailing by one point – 16-17 – against Filipino Arven Alcantara with just 13 seconds remaining on the clock in the third and final round of their bout at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) yesterday.
It proved just enough for him to earn a precious point off a kick to tie the score at 17-17.
Instead of a sudden-death bout to decide the winner, the judges decided to award the gold to Rozaimi based on “punitive declaration”.
The Filipino was adjudged to have violated the maximum of 10 errors in the fight.
The Philippines officials were unhappy with the decision and booed Rozaimi.
The 23-year-old Rozaimi admitted that “I was very lucky to win the gold”.
“I almost paid the price for taking it easy after Arven injured his shoulder in the first round. I was leading 10-3 then,” said the Johor exponent.
“The Filipino began playing mind games with me but I managed to land a few kicks to take a 15-13 lead in the third round.
“Then I found myself under pressure with less than one minute on the clock. But I stayed focused and managed to tie the score at 17-17.
“I’m happy to deliver the gold for Malaysia.”
Only four exponents featured in the event. Rozaimi, who is competing in his second SEA Games, faced a strong challenge from Thai Nutthawee Klompong before winning 23-17 in the semi-finals.
Arven had no problems beating Sorphabmixay Sithikon of Laos 26-4 in the other semi-final.
Malaysia also won two bronzes through P. Thinagaran (men’s below 74kg) and Nur Intan Zulaikha Mohd Firdaus (women’s below 62kg).