Alia’s happy as Xiu Hong turns the tables on her

SHE lost by just one point, but Alia Sazana Azahari (pic) was still all smiles.

After all, it was her friend Teh Xiu Hong who had won the gold medal after finishing runners-up in the 2015 and 2017 SEA Games.

Singapore’s Xiu Hong took the 25m pistol gold by taking down 34 shots out of 55 while Alia scored 33. Thailand’s Tanyaporn Prucksakorn won bronze by taking down 28 shots.

Although happy for her friend, the 30-year-old Alia was angry with herself.

She hugged Xiu Hong, and as the Malaysian contingent approached her, said: “Just a bit more, I’m frustrated.

The results was a turning of the tables.

“In 2015 and 2017, I won gold, while she took silver. This time, she won gold.

“As her friend, I’m really happy that she has finally won it. In the end, there is only one champion,” said Alia, who hails from Terengganu.

“I was angry with myself because I felt I made a mistake, but it was a tiring final. There were two shootoffs, so the event got extended a little. We were getting tired. My arms were feeling it, for sure.

“I was going all out in the beginning, and towards the end, I felt I had it, but Xiu Hong made a huge comeback. Silver after the pandemic is good but yes, I am a little angry.”

The Games was Alia’s second major competition this year. She finished fifth in the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Jakarta Grand Prix Rifle and Pistol.

“The Jakarta stint helped me a lot, especially in terms of managing things after the pandemic.

“If the Games were my first competition, I think I would not have won the silver.

“I am happy with how things turned out.

“But you can see the competition is getting tougher but I am not done yet. Next year, I will make a comeback in Cambodia. I want the gold.”