Lawas’ Laksamana Sinapuan champ in Brunei Regatta
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Lawas paddlers retained their winning tradition when Laksamana Sinapuan powered to victory in the 5-km marathon race of Brunei Regatta 2019 on Sunday.
The champions led from start to finish, leaving behind Leela Cheteria A and ABDB in second and third place respectively.
It was a sweet victory as the 2017 champions pocketed the B$ 6,000 cash prize and re- ignited their bid for the Challenge Trophy after being beaten by their Indonesia rivals last year.
Laksamana Sinapuan took over the mettle from Putera team of Lawas which won the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Challenge Trophy in 2016 after winning the event for three consecutive years.
On Sunday the Lawas paddlers pulled ahead of the pack shortly after the headlining race was set on its way by the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
The Regatta was organised in conjunction with the ruler’s 73rd birthday celebrations.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah led his team to victory in the Special Category Race, edging the team led by his brother Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Prince Al- Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office to second and third place respectively.
Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of International Trade, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali was delighted with the performances of the teams from Lawas.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah later presented the prizes to winners of the various categories in the Regatta.
Lawas District Officer Ladin Atok received the prizes on behalf of Laksamana Sinapuan and pledged to return to defend the title next year.
Team manager Liaw Chin Aik happily took up the challenge to defend the title in 2020.