No glitter (SEPTEMBER 17 - 23) in the pool
Swimmers only manage silvers and bronzes
IT’s going to be a tall order for Malaysia’s para swimmers to emulate their previous haul of seven golds – let alone meeting the 10-gold target – at the Kuala Lumpur Asean Para Games.
Malaysia could only produce four silvers and two bronzes out of the 20 events contested on the first day of the swimming competition at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Anderson Jamba came closest to winning gold in the men’s 50m breaststroke SB3.
The 30-year-old was pipped to the touchpad by Vietnamese Ha Van Hiep in the last 5m of the race.
Anderson touched the wall in 1:02.64 to settle for the silver behind Van Hiep (1:01.83).
“I’m disappointed, My target was to win the gold,” said Anderson.
“It was due to my own mistake because I didn’t pace myself well.
“I started strongly but then I began to tire and was overtaken by my opponent.
“But it’s OK. I still have two events (50m backstroke S4 and 150m individual medley SM4) over the next few days to make amends for today’s disappointment. I will come back strongly.”
Julius Jaranding, Zadrian Chan and Carmen Lim won the other three silvers.
Julius failed to beat defending champion Marinus Melianus of Indonesia for the second Games running in the men’s 50m breaststroke S13.
Marinus stamped his class with a record-breaking 34.05 to beat Julius (35.53) in the two-horse race.
In the men’s 100m freestyle S14, Zadrian also found Indonesian Kevin Ode Natama of Indonesia too tough too handle.
The Malaysian clocked 2:18.87 to finish second behind Kevin, who chalked up a new Games record of 2:16.33.
Carmen gave it her everything in the 100m freestyle S8 but could only manage 1:29.75. Thai Thongbai Chaiwas retained her title in 1:28.99.
“She (Thongbai) was swimming beside me and I tried my best to chase her, but I just couldn’t,” said Carmen.
“Not really satisfied with my time. I have a personal best of 1:28.77.”
Carmen will now switch her focus to defending her 50m freestyle S8 on Thursday.
I’m disappointed, My target was to win the gold. It was due to my own mistake ... Anderson Jamba