Zaidatul completes sprint double, Khairul settles for bronze

KUALA LUMPUR: Pint-sized Zaidatul Husniah Zulkifli was in smashing form to complete a sprint double in the Malaysian Open Athletics Championships.

The 24-year-old from Kedah, who won the 100m with a time of 11.66 on Friday, won the 200m by clocking a season best of 23.74 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

S. Komalam Shally clocked 24.38 to finish second while Shereen Samson Vallabouy posted 24.63 to bag the bronze.

The 24-year-old Zaidatul was delighted to bag her first sprint double in the championships.

“I’m happy with my performance as I ran a good race to win the 200m. Although I failed to improve my personal best of 23.64, it still feels good to win the sprint double.

“It’s a big boost for my career and I must thank my coach Balamurugan,” said Zaidatul.

It was another blow for Khairul Hafiz Jantan in the 200m as he only managed to clock 21.27 to bag the bronze.

Last year he broke the national 200m record with a time of 20.90 to win the gold.

On Friday, the fastest man in South East Asia clocked a poor time of 10.64 in the 100m to finish fifth.

Jonathan Nyepa of Armed Forces won the men’s 200m final with a personal best of 21.10, ahead of Abdul Wafiy Roslan who clocked 21.24.

Jonathan, who won silver in the 100m on Friday, was delighted with his effort.

“I ran a good race and was trailing Khairul before I outran him in the last 10 metres to win the gold.

“I’m happy with my achievement as I won silver in 100m and gold in 200m,” said Jonathan.

Khairul said he fizzled out in the last 10 metres of the race.

“I also failed to defend the 200m title I won last year,” said Khairul.

SEA Games gold medallist Rayzam Shah Wan Sofian almost withdrew from the men’s 110m hurdles because of a right calf cramp.

But the Sabahan decided to compete and won the gold with a time of 14.12 in the final.