Watch out for another surprise from Rayzam, if he retains gold
KUALA LUMPUR: Rayzam Shah Wan Sofian has promised another head-turning treat if he retains the 110m hurdles gold at the Philippines SEA Games from Nov 30-Dec 11.
At the last Games in Kuala Lumpur two years ago, the Sabahan immediately shaved his head bald after he dethroned four-time gold medallist Jamras Rittidet of Thailand.
The 31-year-old Rayzam, who is eyeing his third gold, revealed that he definitely would be doing something different if he wins at the New Clark City Stadium in December.
“At the last Games, I promised my wife that I will go bald if I win and you can expect another surprise if I get to retain the gold,” said Rayzam, who is keeping the surprise under wraps.
“You have to be at the stadium to witness it.”
And Rayzam is right on track to defend his title after winning the pre-SEA Games meet at the New Clark City Stadium on Monday.
He clocked 14.50 to finish ahead of local runner Alvin Vergel (14.57). Singapore’s Liang
Oi Awyong posted 14.58 to bag the bronze.
Rayzam, who trains on his own in Kota Kinabalu, said he is slowly but surely getting back his form since fracturing his wrist after a fall at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Bukit Jalil in March.
“I clocked a slow time at the pre-Games event as the final was held at 8am, which is not a suitable time for the event.
“It feels good to win and I’m getting back my confidence after the fall. But I need to dip below 14 seconds if I hope to retain the gold as my main threat Clinton Bautista (the Philippines) did not compete in the preGames.”
Malaysia also returned with a silver and bronze.
The women’s 4x400m quartet of Fathin Faqihah Mohd Yusof, Zaimah Atifah, Teoh Kim Chyi and Shereen Samson Vallabouy clocked 3:44.79 to win silver while high jumper Yap Sean Yee bagged the bronze with a height of 1.71m, which was way off her national record of 1.83m.