LET THE GAMES BEGIN
Colourful ceremony kicks off Southeast Asian event
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand reigned supreme in the men’s sepak takraw team regu and women’s water polo at the SEA Games yesterday.
In sepak takraw, Thailand lived up to their top billing as they defeated Malaysia 3-0 in the final round-robin match of the men’s team regu competition at the Titiwangsa Stadium, denying the hosts’ mission to end their 26-year drought in the event.
For Thailand, the win is proof of their domination of the event as this is their 12th consecutive gold medal since the 1993 Manila SEA Games.
Indonesia took the silver after defeating Brunei 3-0 with Malaysia and Brunei sharing the bronze.
The early indicators of victory became evident in the win over Malaysia’s first regu of Farhad Adam, Hanafiah Dollah and Syahir Rosdi.
Trio of Pattarapong Yupadee, Pornchai Kaokaew and Jantarit Khukaeo defeated the home players 21-15, 21-17 to put Thailand ahead.
The Thais’ second regu of Assadin Wongyota, Anuwat Chaicana and Sittipong Khamchan followed suit with a 21-10, 21-6 victory over Safarudin Abu Bakar, Said Izwan Said and Muhamad Norhaffizi Abd Razak.
The third regu of Somporn Jaisinghol, Thawisak Thongsai and Kritsanapong Nontakonte completed the rout with an easy 21-9, 21-8 victory over Syazreenqamar Salehan, Meor Muhamad Zulfikar Mat Amin and Azlan Alias.
Thailand coach Thawat Kumutpongpanich said: “Actually, the defining moment was the win by our first regu. It made our work easier. Had we lost, I’m sure the scenario would have been different.”
In the women’s water polo, Thailand stamped their authority on the event with a 5-1 win over Singapore in their last round-robin match at the National Aquatic Centre to retain the title.
The Thais were in their element throughout the match, adopting defensive and counter-attacking strategies to deny and frustrate the Singaporeans.
“Our defence was awesome today. The Singaporeans tried hard to dominate the play and managed to keep our counter-attacks at bay,” Thailand coach Daniele Ferri said.
“They continuously frustrated us in our attacks but we managed to keep our composure and strike hard when opportunities came.”
In another encounter, Indonesia recorded a thumping 7-1 victory over Malaysia to take home the bronze.
In the marathon, Singapore and the Philippines opened their SEA Games athletics campaigns on golden notes with Guillame Soh Rui Yong and Mary Joy Tabal winning the men’s and women’s titles respectively.
Soh, the 25 year-old defending champion, completed the men’s race in 2:24.25hr, edging Indonesia’s Agus Prayogo who came in second in 2:27.16.
“This win is for all Singaporeans,” said Soh.
Thailand’s Boonthueng Srisang failed to finish due to cramp.
In the women’s marathon, Tabal earned the Philippines’ first gold of the Games with a convincing performance, crossing the finishing line in 2:43.31, edging Vietnam’s Hoang Thi Thanh and Thailand’s Natthaya Thanaronnawat.