Asian champs Syarul and Malvern to lead team at world meet

PETALING JAYA: Newly-crowned Asian champions Syarul Azman Mike Mahen and Malvern Abdullah will shoulder Malaysia’s hopes in the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from Oct 3-9.

Syarul won his third straight Asian title in the men’s athletic physique up to 1.70m event in Seoul last month while Malvern triumphed for the first time in the men’s flyweight (below 60kg) category.

The duo will be joined by three others at the world meet.

They are Buda Anchah (men’s lightweight below 70kg), Ahmad Faiz Ariffin (men’s athletic physique 175cm) and Awang Mohd Azizul (men’s welterweight below 75kg).

Buda won silver while Awang got a bronze at the Asian meet.

“The criteria for selection from the Malaysia Body Building Federation (MBBF) was a top-five finish at the Asian meet.

“I’m in better shape now compared to last year heading into the world championships because I continued with my training programme after returning from Seoul. I have about three weeks to prepare. It will be harder to win it a second time, but I’ll try my best,” said the 44-year-old Syarul, who won the world title for the first time in Thailand last year.

It will be harder to win it a second time, but I’ll try my best. Syarul Azman Mike Mahen