Official appreciates Vietnam’s achievement at SEA Games

Source: VNS/VNA

Lam Quang Thanh, head of the Vietnamese sports delegation at the 27th SEA Games, which wrapped up in Myanmar on December 22, has spoken highly of the team’s achievement at the event.

With 73 gold (three more than the set target), Vietnam ranked third in the medal tally after Thailand , which secured 107 golds, and host Myanmar with 86 golds.

According to Thanh, some of the sports, which were of Vietnam ’s strength, such as gymnastics and fencing, were excluded in this Games, causing difficulties to the team.

Referees’ unfair decisions were also another reason limiting the chances for Vietnamese athletes to win gold medals in martial arts, he said.

The most difficulty, in his opinion, was the athletes’ injuries before and during the event.

The official further said after SEA Games 27, the athletes will continue with their training in preparation for the 14th Asian Games, ASIAD 14, in Incheon, the Republic of Korea, next year.

After 11 official days of competition, the 27th SEA Games closed in Nay Pyi Taw, marking an end of a prestigious tournament for which athletes spent two years in training.

Addressing the ceremony, Tint San, Union Minister of Sports, said: "During the Games, athletes have won medals by showing strong determination, great courage and true sportsmanship. Although the religions, cultures and traditions are different for each country, all the athletes have participated to create several proud moments for the games and show the power of sports to unite people."

"The SEA Games also provided clear evidence of the tremendous spirit of friendship and unity among ASEAN member countries. I am convinced that, in the near future, with the help of the close and deep relations among members, the sports sector and its standards will improve rapidly across the region," he noted.

The 28th SEA Games, which will have 30 sports, is scheduled to be held in the summer of 2015, from June 5-16, in Singapore.-    

U19 Vietnam prepare for Asian champs

Vietnam’s U19 football team will play with their peers from Japan, the UK and Italy at a U19 International Football Tournament in preparation for their competition at the upcoming Asian Championships.

The guest teams are Japan’s U-19 team, Tottenham FC and AS Roma FC. The tournament will take place in Ho Chi Minh City from January 6-10, 2014.

On December 27, the U19 Vietnam will play a friendship match with Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) FC to sharpen their skills for the tournament.

The squad won the silver medal at the ASEAN Under-19 Football Championships in September, 2013.

The Asian Under-19 Football Championships will be held in Myanmar in 2014.

Link: http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/sports/92260/official-appreciates-vietnam-s-achievement-at-sea-games.html

Vietnam exceeds SEA Games 27 target

Source: VOV/VietNamNet Bridge

As the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar has two days to go, Vietnamese athletes have surpassed their 70-gold medal target, bagging a total of 72 golds as of 04.30pm pm on December 21.

Bui Yen Ly (in red jersey) celebrating her victory over a Myanmar athlete on December 21.

December 21 was considered another golden day for Vietnamese martial artists who outperformed their opponents winning 7 gold medals.

Vovinam artist Ho Minh Tam won Vietnam’s 72nd gold after defeating a Lao opponent 3-2 in the men’s 65kg weight category. This was Vovinam Vietnam’s sixth gold at this SEA Games. 

Earlier, Vovinam artist Nguyen Thi Kim Hoang took gold in a final match against a Lao opponent in the women’s U55kg weight category. 

In Muay: Bui Yen Ly knocked out a host athlete in the women’s 51kg division, bringing the first Muay gold medal for Vietnam. 

Nguyen Ngo Trieu Nhat and Bui Thi Quynh carried off two other silver medals after losing to Malaysian and Myanmar artists in the 51kg and 48kg weight divisions.

In Taekwondo, Nguyen Trong Cuong also knocked out Sophal Mao of Cambodia in the final match of the men’s 87kg weight division. 

His team mate Ha Thi Nguyen was overwhelmed by Seavmey Sorn of Cambodia in the women’s 73kg qualifiers. 

In Kempo, Do Hong Ngoc outplayed Dian Pertiwi Said of Indonesia in the women’s 48kg category, earning Vietnam the first gold medal in this sport. 

Duo Tran Thi My Duyen and Le Duong Lan Phuong also clinched another gold medal for Vietnam in the performance event.

Link:  http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/sports/92162/vietnam-exceeds-sea-games-27-target.html

Thailand tops SEA Games medal tally

Source: The Jakarta Post

See you again in Singapore: ASEAN countries' flags are carried during the closing ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on Sunday. (AP/Vincent Thian)

The 27th Southeast Asian Games wrapped up Sunday with Thailand topping the medals table with 107 golds, ahead of host Myanmar with 86.

Thailand also earned 94 silver medals and 81 bronze, while Myanmar's silver tally was 62 with 85 bronze medals. Vietnam's 73 golds were good for third place.

Highlights for Thailand included golds in football, futsal and both men's and women's volleyball.

Host Myanmar had set an ambitious target of 100 gold medals, but its 86 represented a huge improvement over its last outing in the biennial games when it won just 16.

Indonesia, the region's largest country which topped the medals table when it hosted the last games, finished fourth with 64 golds, 84 silvers and 111 bronze medals.

The SEA Games, the region's largest sporting event, brings together athletes from 11 nations every two years. It was the first time in more than two decades that Myanmar hosted the event. More than 6,000 athletes took part.

Link:  http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/12/23/thailand-tops-sea-games-medal-tally.html

Athletes enjoy Myanmar experience

Source: The Brunei Times

Myanmar women with thanaka masks vending their wares at the local market in Naypyidaw. National runner Maziah Mahusin was intrigued with the masks made from the bark of the thanaka tree and smeared over exposed areas of the skin to cool and protect the users from harsh sunlight.BT/ Yee Chun Leong

THE 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games are in the books and have left a lasting impression for the Bruneian athletes.

Myanmar last hosted the biennial Games back in 1969. They tried to make this year’s edition one to remember... and they did — for both good and bad reasons.

Brunei sent 61 athletes to compete in 10 sports, all of which were contested in the capital Naypyidaw.

National cueist Ahmad Taufiq Murni, who lost in the first round of both the 9-ball and 10-ball events, felt that everything went as smooth as they could.

But it was not the best Games experience he has had, having participated in four editions thus far — Manila (2005), Korat, Thailand (2007) and Palembang, Indonesia (2011) being the others.

“The overall stay in Naypyidaw was just okay even though we were staying in a resort hotel. Organisation is alright compared to the last SEA Games in Palembang and our LO (Liason Officer) was very hardworking,” said Taufiq in an interview with The Brunei Times on Sunday.

“The best one I’ve been to is still Korat as the others were just no match. There were more things to do at the Athletes Village there. The variety of food was really good as well... the food is repetitive here,” he said.

“The best part about Naypyidaw is that all the venues are brand new. The infrastructure and facilities are top notch,” continued the 25-year-old

It was definitely a campaign to remember for Lee Yingshi after winning the only gold for Brunei in the duilian (duo sparring with broadsword and spear) event partnering Faustina Woo Wai Sii.

Third time was the charm for the wushu athlete and she also made her comparisons to previous editions.

“The food is delicious in Naypyidaw but everyday it is the same. No big change. Laos was better because there were a lot of choices,” said Lee.

“As for the organisation, the Games are the same for all of them… not bad,” she added.

“Palembang’s hotel food was very bad but I lived alone in a room with a king-size bed. So accommodation there was the best,” continued Lee.

National cyclist Muhammad Rafiuddin Zikara found the outing alright but felt that transportation could have been better.

“Overall it was okay except that transport was a problem we were brought to the venues late,” said Rafiuddin.

National runner Maziah Mahusin and jumper Abdul Haqim Hj Yahya made their debut at the regional Games and enjoyed the social life of the Games.

Maziah failed to progress out of the heats of the women’s 400-metre event but the Olympian is focusing on the positives of the outing.

“Accommodation, food and organisation were all okay but the shuttle buses were useless,” said Maziah.

“I’m going to miss the track, the people and the weather. The people were friendly, funny and weird with the (thanaka) mask on the face,” she added.

Thanaka is a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark.

It is applied to the face to cool and protect the skin from harsh sunlight.

“It wasn’t a good experience for me and it’s my first SEA Games. It’s a lesson for me to train harder and focus more,” said Maziah.

Haqim, who competed in the high jump event, felt that there should be more variety in the food but he still enjoyed his time in Naypyidaw.

“About food, it is kind of the same everyday eventhough they changed the sauce. I felt fed up after eating it for four days. But it was good food,” said Haqim.

“Accommodation was good and I was very happy to stay at the Games village because of the activities there. I also met new friends at the social zone,” he added.

“Organisation for the Myanmar Games is very good. I can’t compare to other SEA Games though since this is my first time,” concluded Haqim.

Link: http://www.bt.com.bn/sports-national/2013/12/24/athletes-enjoy-myanmar-experience

Athletes echo CDM’s suggestions

Source: The Brunei Times

Brunei’s medal winning taekwondo athlete Nurulain Md Jafa’ar (C) is welcomed home by her parents upon touching down in Brunei yesterday .BT/ Syarif Rasani

BRUNEI’S Southeast Asian (SEA) Games’ bronze medallists from taekwondo and sepak takraw touched down safely in Brunei to be greeted by their families and government officials yesterday.

Mohamad Shukri Jaineh, Ismail Ang, Abdul Hadi Ariffin Matali, Humaidi Brahim, Mohd Hafizzudin Jamaluddin and Marzuki Munap did Brunei proud in sepak takraw by winning bronze in the hoop and team double event.

Tears of joy were shed between taekwondo joint-bronze medallist Nurulain Md Jafa’ar and her mother, especially after her achievement in the women’s 68-73kg (middle weight) class on Saturday.

Following the mass family greetings, The Brunei Times asked Nurulain on her opinions regarding chef de mission (CDM) Hj Muhd Zamri Dato Paduka Hj Hamdani’s report on how the country can improve for the future games.

When told that the CDM felt that the selection of athletes should be done earlier so the athletes can start training earlier, Nurulain replied, “Maybe if they provide the help one year before the Games... it will probably help us gain mental and physical strength.”

“Currently we are adapting to what we have and we are strong but if they did that for us, our (level) of performance would be higher,” said Nurulain.

Exposure to more overseas tournaments as well as being given more support to ensure medals at the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore were also subjects the CDM touched upon.

“(Exposure) would really help us a lot because once we join competitions, our bodies automatically remember how to tackle the opponents and think of new strategies to take down the person in front of us,” said Nurulain.

“It comes naturally because we can’t predict someone else’s strategy but it’s from there we learn.

“Probably if we were sent overseas for more competitions before the SEA Games, our chances of winning would be higher,” she said.

“Insyallah in the near future, Brunei taekwondo will come out stronger and we will try to win more medals for the nation.”

Cueist Ahmad Taufiq Murni also saw the positives from the CDM’s report.

“From picking athletes early, I think it’s a good idea,” said Ahmad Taufiq who fell during the first round for the 10-ball and 9-ball.

“For cue sports we should start really early and send them for exposure so they can improve their abilities, hopefully we will see new faces next year.

“More exposure is important for big competitions because you learn from the pressure,” explained Ahmad Taufiq.

Welcoming the athletes home was the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar.

Link: http://www.bt.com.bn/sports-national/2013/12/24/athletes-echo-cdm%E2%80%99s-suggestions

Brunei continue tradition of disappointing Games

Source: The Brunei Times

ONCE again, another Southeast Asian (SEA) Games have come and gone.

Once again, Brunei have found themselves at the bottom of the pile.

And once again, the same excuses have been given.

For someone who is writing about the Games for the third time, such excuses — lack of training, not enough exposure, insufficient support — raise one question; has the country learnt from its past mistakes?

Though some might look at the biennial meet as an avenue for the 11 participating nations to unite in the name of sports and renew ties of camaraderie, it also cannot be denied that there is pride and honour at stake in what is the most highly anticipated multi-sport gathering in the region — for many athletes, the SEA Games is the pinnacle of their sporting career.

Brunei's haul of one gold, one silver and six bronze medals looked enough for the country to finish above Timor Leste in the standings until Timor Leste — whose Olympic Council was only formed 10 years ago — won their second gold medal on Saturday's penultimate day of competition.

Since joining for the first time in 1977, Brunei have never – except for when they were hosts in 1999 – won more than one gold medal at the SEA Games.

It is a worrisome record to say the least, especially with Brunei set to host the 2019 Games.

The contingent's chef de mission Hj Muhd Zamri Dato Paduka Hj Hamdani has correctly identified four key ares that need to be worked on if the country is to achieve better results at the 2015 Singapore SEA Games, but change can only happen if all stakeholders — the relevant ministries, employers, sponsors and crucially, parents — work together

Not only will the country have to identify and nurture talented national athletes at an earlier date ahead of the 2015 Singapore SEA Games, preferably by the start of next year, those national athletes should be sent to more competitions abroad and their welfare should be top priority – especially with many of them not working or still schooling.

Allowances for national athletes was an issue raised by this same writer in a story published in The Brunei Times in October 2011, and that it hasn't been resolved yet beggars belief.

We cannot expect athletes to train wholeheartedly if they have such worries at the back of their heads.

Many times we have heard about how national coaches have had to dig into their own pockets to feed their athletes.

This should not be happening.

We have also heard about how national coaches find it hard to conduct training as their athletes are unable to get time off from work — a problem which can only be solved if all parties involved sit down and work out a solution.

We cannot expect the government to shoulder the full burden of training and developing athletes, the private sector has to play its part in contributing towards the country's sporting glory by providing athletes release from work or simply chipping in with financial or material aid.

Only if we provide our best athletes with a conducive atmosphere to succeed can we expect them to win medals.

Faustina Woo Wai Sii and Lee YingShi's gold medal in the women's duilian (duo sparring with broadsword and spear) event at this year's Games, a triumph made all the more sweeter after they managed only silver medals in the previous two editions, was made possible through their systematic training and support from all parties — a case study on what needs to be done to win gold.

That other countries do not specialise in the discipline the way the duo have for the past half a decade or so also works in their favour, and the onus is on other national sport associations to find an event their athletes have the potential to do well in and focus on that.

A good example is the suggestion made by national jumping coach Joseph Kameni that Abdul Haqim Hj Yahya should switch from the high jump to long jump event if he is to enjoy success at the SEA Games, a suggestion made because he felt the athlete was more suited to the discipline — and also because he was at a height disadvantage in the high jump.

We need to hear more coaches provide input on how to utilise an athlete's potential and find ways to develop it, and then nurture it to the full extent possible.

Though not a coach, 2012 London Olympian Maziah Mahusin is thinking about switching from the 400m to the 200m because she feels she is better able to run the distance — probably the right decision for her after finishing last in her 400m heats here.

Identifying national athletes' strengths and working on improving it as soon as possible is the only way we can hope to produce medals at the regional stage and not finish last once again.

We do have athletes who can provide the region's best a run for their money, a case in point Ahmad Taufiq Murni, Brunei's No 1 cueist showing a good account of himself in both his 9-ball and 10-ball first round losses.

The latter saw him fall 9-5 to World No 12 Dennis Orcollo after admitting to mental lapses, but the defeat to the eventual champion — who has played in more than 30 events this year — must be looked at from all angles.

Sports psychologist Zulkiflee Abd Hamid was praised for helping Taufiq strengthen his mental game, and that the Department of Youth and Sports recognises the value of hiring a psychologist to overcome certain mental barriers can only be applauded.

But mental coaching is not a substitute for the experience gained from being in the arena and competing, and it no secret that our athletes do not take part in as many tournaments as their counterparts from other countries.

The Brunei Times have highlighted these issues several times already — this writer's recap of the last Games in 2011 was pretty much the same read — and that they are still being written about is disheartening.

Hopefully, the review of the 2015 SEA Games will not be a list of what has, once again, gone wrong.

Link: http://www.bt.com.bn/sports-national/2013/12/24/brunei-continue-tradition-disappointing-games

American coach wants spring training for Pinoy athletes

Source: The Philippine Star

Philip Ella Juico

NAY PYI TAW – Fired up by its six-gold medal performance, the athletics team of new officer-in-charge Philip Ella Juico may be looking forward to a trip to the United States to undergo spring training under US coaches and compete with topnotch athletes for next year’s Asian Games and the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.

American coach Ryan Flaherty, who was behind the outstanding performance of the 24-member track and field team, said he is recommending a crack 20-member Filipino team to train in the US starting in February.

“The spring training will be from February to April when competitions in the US are held on a weekly basis,” said Flaherty, who was hired by the Philippine Sports Commission to serve as strength and conditioning coach of the track and field team in Baguio.

As part of their training, he said the athletes will be participating in as many as 20 tournaments with professionals and collegiate players.

He said that for the Philippines to be very competitive in the SEA Games, it must look beyond Myanmar.

“We must work out a long-term program that will ensure a flow of talents and our competitiveness in the next SEA Games, which is only one and half years from now,” he said.

Despite being only two months with the team – and this was interrupted when he had to go back to the US in October – there was notable improvement in the stamina, endurance and power of the athletes who won 6-4-3 gold-silver-bronze medals, the biggest among 26 sports competing in 33 sports in the 27th SEA Games.

The output bettered the 2-9-5 output of the 2011 team.

“This team is composed of new and veteran players, and we will be depending on the new crop of players to keep our tradition of excellence in the sport,” said Juico.

Juico, the former PSC chair who was requested by ailing Go Teng Kok to take over the team to Myanmar, was here to watch the games and award one of the gold medals before he headed back to the airport to follow up on a lost luggage.

Flaherty said seeded to the team to the US are gold medalists Archand Christian Bagsit (400m run), Henry Dagmil (long jump), Eric Shawn Cray (400m hurdles), Christopher Ulboc Jr. (3,000m steeplechase), Jesson Ramil Cid (decathlon) and the Bagsit-led 4x400m relay team, which includes Isidro del Prado Jr., Julius Nierras and Edgardo Alejan.

Others in Flaherty’s wish list are former marathon bet Eduard Buenavista who did 2:27 in the Milo Marathon this month, and hammer thrower Arniel Ferrera.

He said US-based Fil-American Tyler Ruiz, whose 2.09 broke the long standing Philippine mark of 2.06 set by Luis Juico in 1979, is going back to the US to train on his own.

“He did 2.20 in practice five days before the Games but I think the conditions and the pressure were too much in his first SEA Games,” said Flaherty. “I’ve told him he should continue training and get the numbers and come back.”

The news that the PSC would cut off its support to Ruiz, whose mother is a graphic designer in Los Angeles and his father a Mexican-Cuban, came as a sad news for the 22-year-old, 6-2 former NCAA Division 1 champion who came all the way on his own from Los Angeles to compete in the SEA Games.

Asst. chef de mission Monsour del Rosario, a former Olympian and taekwondo champion, also encouraged Ruiz to keep trying.

“When you learn to lose, you’ll know what it takes to win,” said del Rosario, who has been making the rounds cheering for the 210 athletes during the games.

Link:  http://www.philstar.com/sports/2013/12/22/1270981/american-coach-wants-spring-training-pinoy-athletes

3 gold-drive fails to lift Pinoys from 7th, Thais accent on Olympic sports leads to SEAG feat

Source: The Philippine Star

Kirstie Elaine Alora of the Philippines roars in triumph after beating Davin Sorn of Cambodia for the gold medal in 73kg women  taekwondo event. JOEY MENDOZA

NAY PYI TAW – Thailand resumed its reign as the overall champion in the Southeast Asian Games on a program that placed priority on the medal rich Olympic sports of athletics, swimming, sailing and canoeing and in the martial arts – boxing, judo and taekwondo.

Thailand gained the overall title last held by host Indonesia with a runaway gold medal tally of 93 coming from athletics (17), swimming (7), boxing (7), canoeing (5) and sailing (4), judo (6), taekwondo (5) and showed its mastery in indigenous sports like sepak takraw (6), pencak silat (2) and muay thai.

It defeated the Philippines in billiards and snooker (4) and shared honors with the Philippines in golf with its victories in the men’s individual and team events.

Since hosting the SEA Games in 2003, Vietnam had surged to the top 5 overall. This year it assumed second overall with successes in athletics (10) and in the martial arts, winning 10 in wrestling, five in wushu, four each in taekwondo and vovinam, and three each in judo, karatedo and pencak silat.

It also gained headway in swimming (5) and chess (2).

Indonesia, champion from 1977 to 1987 and as host again in 2011, has spread its resources to almost all the Olympic and traditional sports, winning in athletics (6), cycling (5), rowing (5), kempo (4), canoeing (4), badminton (3), weightlifting (3), pencak silat (3), equestrian (2), wrestling (2), traditional boat race (2) and wushu (2).

Myanmar, who has always been behind the Philippines in the standings, has occupied a higher position which this year puts the host at second behind Thailand. It has a continuing program that puts emphasis on the traditional boat race which it dominated with 12 gold medals and in regional sports like chinlone (6), vovinam (5), wushu (5), kempo (4) and petanque (2).

Malaysia’s success is anchored on strengths in karatedo (7), athletics and swimming (4 each) and wushu (3), while Singapore came to Myanmar with its strong swimming team which gained 11 gold medals and a sailing team, whose five gold medals Friday prevented attempts by the Philippines to overtake the island nation at sixth.

The Philippines gained a measure of success only in athletics (6), wushu (3) and boxing (3) but was below par in other sports, where it had two or one gold to show – which explains the odds it is up against in its quest for fifth or sixth place in the SEA Games.

Link: http://www.philstar.com/sports/2013/12/22/1270978/3-gold-drive-fails-lift-pinoys-7th-thais-accent-olympic-sports-leads-seag

27th SEA Games - DECEMBER 19

Traditional Boat
Traditional boat race at Nag Lite Dam continued today exactly from where it left off yesterday with the shouts of “Myanmar gold, Myanmar gold, Myanmar gold, Myanmar gold” liited to four races – because there only were four races today.

The 10-crew men were again the first to grab gold, winning the 500m race in 2 minutes, 11.813 seconds, more than a second ahead of silver medalists Thailand and a second and a half ahead of Bronze medalists Indonesia.

Next up, the 10-crew women paddled the 500m in 2:23.369 for gold. Thailand finished in 2:24.406 for silver and Indonesia got the bronze in 2:24.436, missing the Thai tie time by just 0.03 seconds.

The 20-crew men raced to gold in 1:48.039, beating Thailand to the finish by just 0.055 second. Indonesia took bronze in 1:46.542 in a very closely fought race.

In the last race of the day, Myanmar’s 20-crew women paddled home in 1:59.635, keeping Indonesia at bay for silver in 2:01.368. Thailand, at 2:02.581 got the bronze.

So far, Myanmar has won gold in all 10 races paddled. Thailand has eight silvers and two bronzes, Indonesia eight bronzes and two silvers.

Athletics In athletics at Wunna Theikdi Stadium, Van Lai Nguyen started last day of competition off on a high note for Vietnam, winning the men’s 10000m in 29 minutes, 44.82 seconds, barely a second faster than silver medalist Boonthung Srisung (THA). Agus Prayogo (INA) got the bronze in 30:25.33.

In the women’s 10000m, Indonesia’s Triyanningsih Triyanningsih got gold in 34:32.08, almost 7 seconds ahead of silver winner Phyu War Thet (MYA). Lodkeo Inthakoummane (LAO) took the bronze in 37:41.96.

Vietnam’s Van Hung Nguyen leapt 16.67m to win gold in the men’s triple jump. Muhammad Hakimi Ismail (MAS) jumped 16.44m for silver and Theerayut Philakong (THA) won bronze with a 16.25m hop, step, jump.

In women’s high jump, Thi Viet Ahn Dong (VIE) cleared 1.84m to win gold, Wanida Boonwan (THA) took silver at 1.80m on count back over Thi Diem Pham who added bronze to Vietnam’s medal haul on the final day of athletics.

Cycling In men’s BMX cycling, Daniel Patrick Caluag (PHI) won gold in the men’s cross, Christopher John Caluag (PHI) got the silver and Saputra I Gusti Bagus took the bronze.

Indonesian rider Novanda Elga Kharisma pedaled to gold in the women’s BMX cross, finishing ahead of Thailand’s Thongmee Duangkamon (silver) and Myanmar’s Khin Myo Htet, who got the bronze.


Taekwondo
At Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium, Cassandra Haller (THA) claimed the women’s 67kg taekwondo gold over silver medalist Thanh Hein Nguyen(VIE). Jenny Fong Mee Soh (MAS) and Ywet Wah Htun (MYA) won bronzes.

At 57kg, Jade Zafra (PHI) fought to the gold medal, beating Worawong Pongpanit (THA) to silver. Wai Mar Soe (MYA) and Thi Ha Thanh Lam (VIE) got the bronzes.

In men’s 80kg, Win Htun Linn (MYA) won gold over Christianal Dela Cruz (PHI), who got the silver. Muhammad Etprzal Salputra (INA) and Sawatvilay Phimmasone (LAO) won the bronzes.

At 68kg, Laos’ Phouthasone Thammavong won gold over silver medalist Chetrapee Tangjai (THA). Zaw Zaw (MYA) and Gershorn Bautista (PHI) got bronzes.

Hockey In hockey at Hockey Stadium, Yangon Myanmar beat Cambodia 12-0 ,Thailand bested Singapore 7-3 and Malaysia slammed Indonesia 15-0 in women’s play.
  

Volleyball
In volleyball at Zeyarthiri Indoor Stadium, Thailand blanked Indonesia 3-0 in women’s play.

In men’s action Vietnam rolled over Laos 3-0.

Sepak Takraw
In sepak takraw at Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium in men’s doubles Laos topped Malaysia 201, Myanmar won 2-1 over Indonesia and Cambodia bested Singapore 2-1.

SEA GAMES 2013: Heartbreak for Myanmar Women

Source link: http://www.aseanfootball.org/v2/?p=15363

MANDALAY (18 Dec 2013) – Myanmar battled courageously but went down fighting in a thrilling semi-final clash against Thailand that went the distance at the Mandalar Thiri Stadium in Mandalay tonight.

After coming back twice in regulation and extra time, Myanmar finally fell in the dreaded shootout, going down 9-8.

The hosts battled back to level at 1-1 to force the game into extra time. In added time, Thailand again took the lead but Myanmar levelled at 2-2.

At the end of the five mandatory kicks, Thailand missed the kick but Myanmar which could have wrapped it up, blew it to force it into sudden death penalties.

27th SEA Games - DECEMBER 18 Summary

Football
At Mandalarthiri Stadium in Mandalay, Thailand out-scored Myanmar 7-6 in a penalty shootout after fulltime and two 15-minute extra periods to advance to the gold-medal match against Vietnam in women’s football. Malaysia, who lost 4-0 to Vietnam, will play Myanmar for the bronze.

Diving
Diving’s first day a Wunna Theikdi Swimming Pool saw Malaysia ruled the springboard and the platform.

In men’s 10m platform, Abdullah Muhammad Nazreen (MAS) won gold and Ooi Tse Liang (MAS) got the silver.

Indonesia’s Putra Adityo Restu won the bronze.

In women’s 3m springboard, it was Cheong Jun Hoong (MAS) and Ng Yan Yee winning gold and silver and Indah Eka Purnama (INA) taking bronze.

Cycling Cycling road wrapped up at Mount Pleasant with Indonesia winning the men’s team 163km road race gold in 13 hours, 34 minutes and 33 seconds.

Billiards and Snooker
In billiards and snooker at Wunna Theikdi Sports Complex, Thailand’s Issara Kachaiwong took the gold, Win Ko Ko (MYA) got silver and Chuan Leong Thor and Keen Hoo Moh won bronzes in snooker singles.

Philippines players won gold and silver in men’s 10-ball pool. Dennis Orcollo got the gold, Carlo Baido the silver ahead of bronze medalists Ahn Tuan Nguyen (VIE) and Thanh Kein Dang (VIE).

Malaysia took the silver, finishing 2:32 behind the gold medalists. Philippines, 6:31 off the winning pace won bronze.

Traditional Boat The first day of traditional boat race at Nag Lite Dam was nothing but “Myanmar gold, Myanmar gold, Myanmar gold, Myanmar gold, Myanmar gold, Myanmar gold” in all six races.

The 10-crew men were the first to grab gold, jumping to the top step of the podium in the day’s first race over 1000m. Indonesia got the silver half a second behind Myanmar’s 3 minutes, 31.113 seconds and Thailand got bronze a half second behind Indonesia.

The second trip the top of the podium came after the 10-crew women paddled the 1000m in 4:53.857 for gold ahead of Thailand, silver, and Indonesia, bronze.

Next, the 20-crew men joined the parade, racing to the gold medal in 3: 45.627 and knocking Thailand back to the silver by less than a second over the 1000m course. Indonesia took bronze in 3:49.340.

The fourth race saw the 20-crew women from the host country finish in 1:06.049 for gold. Thailand got silver more than 2 seconds later and Indonesia claimed bronze just three-tenths of a second behind the Thhai crew.

The mixed 10-crew from Myanmar also made the top step, but winning the gold was not quite as easy as it had been in some mother races. Mya nmar crossed the 1000m line in 4:35.109, only ahair ahead of silver medalists Thailand’s 4:35.549. Indonesia got bronze in 4:42.265.

Myanmar’s procession to the top ended with the mixed 20crew race, not because the hosts failed to win gold, but because there were no more races yesterday.

The closest race of the day—all three boats finished under 3:52 – had Myanmar across the line for gold in 3:50.244, Thailand over for silver in 3:50.924 and Indonesia getting bronze in 3:51.077.

Golf In golf at the Royal Myanmar Golf Club, Malaysia’s Gavin Kyle Green charged from well back with a final-round 68 to force leader through three rounds Danthai Boonma into a play-off for gold. Danthai faded to an even par 72 on Wednesday and both players ended the tournament on 278, 3- strokes clear of bronze medalist Poom Saksasin (THA). But the Thai made no mistake in the play-off, winning gold with a birdie on the second play-off after he and Green had both made par on the first. Green got the silver.

The men’s team title went to Thailand with a four-round 838, 8 strokes ahead of the silver medalists Myanmar and 10 ahead of bronze winners Malaysia.

In women’s team play, Philippines won the gold with a three-round total 428, 11 strokes better than silver medalists Myanmar and 12 ahead of the bronze winners Thailand.

Princess Mary Superal won Philippines second golf gold, taking the women’s individual over Myanmar’s Yin May Myo. Superal got gold with a three-round 4-under par 210. Yin May Myo got silver witrh even par 216. One stroke further back, Tatiana Jaqueline Wijaya (INA) got bronze.

Athletics In athletics at Wunna Theikdi Stadium, Thailand’s Jirapong Meenapra took the gold men’s 200m in 21.29 seconds. Harith Ammar Mohd Sobri (MAS) got silver in 21.46 and Throng Hinh Le (VIE) won bronze just a tenth behind Harith.

Philippines’ Christopher JR Ulboc ran the men’s 3000m steeplechase in 9:01.59 to win gold nearly a second ahead of Tein San Pham (VIE), who got silver. Patikarn Pechsricha (THA) won bronze in 9:04.04.

In men’s high jump, Nauraj Singh Randhawa (MAS) soared over the bar at 2.17m to win the gold medal. Van Thuy Dao (VIE) got silver with a 2.13m jump. Pramote Pumurai (THA) also jumped 2.13m but had more misses.

Vietnam continued to show well in the sprints with Thi Huong Vu winning the gold in women’s 200m in 23.55. Neeranuch Klomdee got the silver in 24.02 and Thi Qanhh Nguyen (VIE) added the bronze top Vietnam’s total.

In the 3000m steeplechase, Rini Budiarti (INA) won gold in 10:0.54, Thi Qanh Nguyen snagged silver in 10:30.92 and Jessica Barnard (PHI) got the bronze.

Maria Londa (PHI) flew 6.39m to win the women’s long jump gold. Thitima Maungjan (THA) got silver with a 6.24m leap and Thi Thu Thao Bui took bronze on 6.14m.

Thailand grabbed gold and silver in the women’s javelin, Saowalak Pettong topping the field with a 52.96m heave. Natta Nachan got silver on 50.37m and Thi Xuan Bui threw 48.31m for bronze.

In men’s decathlon, Jesson Ramil Cid (PHI) amassed 7,038 points over the 10 events to outclass seven-man filed and win the gold. Zakaria Malik (INA) got the silver on 6,711 a nd Van Dat Nguyen (VIE) took bronze with 6,383 points.

Futsal In women’s futsal, Vietnam took a 1-0 lead into the dressing room at the half, but Malaysia scored three goals in the second, Vietnam just two for a 3-3 draw at the final whistle.

In the second match, Thailand went 3-0 into the dressing room at the half and held on to end 3-2 winners over a determined Myanmar.

Judo At Zeyarthiri Indoor Stadium, Sel Wee (MYA) claimed the women’s 45kg judo gold over silver medalist Nancy Lucero (PHI). Tri Kusumawardani *INA) and Orn Areeya Konngoen (THA) won bronzes.

In men’s 55kg, Nhat Thong Huynh (VIE) won gold over Kap Cin Pau (MYA) and Muhamad Jafaanuar Jamaludin (MAS) and Soukphaxyay Sithisane (LAO got the bronzes.

Taekwondo Peerathep Sila On (THA) won gold in men’s 74kg taekwondo, Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison (PHI) got silver sand Abdul Hemi Modh (MAS) and Thanh Tam Duong (VIE) got bronzes.

At 62kg, Thi Thu Hein Pham (VIE) got the women’s gold, Victoria (MYA) got silver and Thidasavanh Sotthacht (LAO) took bronzes.

In men’s poomsae, Thaw Zin Han (MYA) won gold, Vidal Marvin Gabriel (PHI) silver and Ahn Minh Le and Jin Kun Yong (MAS) got bronzes.

Team poomsae gold went to Philippines, silver to Indonesia and bronzes to Thailand and Malaysia.

Myanmar’s Yamin K Khine took women’s poomsae gold, Chelsea Ann Sim Shu Zhen (SIN) got silver and Lyna Chhoeung (CAM) bronze.

In team poomsae, Vietnam won gold, Thailand silver and Indonesia and Philippines bronzes.

The mixed pair gold went to Vietnam’s Dinh Toan Nguyen/Minh Tu Nguyen, silver to Sattawath Chomchuen/Tasana Manso (THA) and bronzes to Defia Rosmaniar/Muhammad Abdurrahman Wahyu (MAS) and Bounheng Panyasit/Philavanh LatthaChak (LAO).

Football In women’s football at Mandalarthiri Stadium in Mandalay, Vietnam converted a 1-0 halftime lead into a 4-0 win to put the Vietnamese women into the gold medal match against the winner of the later game between Myanmar and Thailand.

Malaysia will play for bronze against the loser of the later match.

Volleyball In volleyball at Zeyarthiri Indoor Stadium, Indonesia spiked Malaysia 3-0 and Thailand blocked Myanmar 3-0 in women play. In men’s action Vietnam rolled over Laos 3-0.

PH athletes bag three more gold medals in Naypyitaw

Source: The Manila Times

The Philippines bagged three more gold medals—two in golf and one in tae kwon do—in the 2013 Southeast Asian Games in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.

Junior golfer Princess Superal won the women’s individual crown against silver medalist Yin May Myo of Myanmar and bronze medalist Tatiana Wijaya of Indonesia.

Superal then connived with Katrina Marie Briones and Clare Amelia Legazpi in copping the women’s team title.

The national poomsae (forms) team also lived up to the expectations as Dustin Jacob Mella, Raphael Enrico Mella and Vidal Marvin Gabriel had a flawless performance to earn the men’s poomsae team gold medal.

They scored 7.920 points in beating Indonesians Maulana Haidir, Muhamad Fazza Fitra-cahyanto and Muhammad Abdurrahman Wahyu (7.590 points) and Thais Chaiyasit Kwanboon, Pongporn Suvit-tayarak and Poonpattara Bunlop (7.550 points).

Gabriel added one more silver in the men’s individual category. He scored with 8.035 points. Unheralded Thaw Zin Han of host Myanmar surprisingly won the event with 8.400 points while Anh Minh Le of Vietnam settled for bronze with 7.970.

Ma. Carla Janice Lagman, Rani Ortega and Rinna Babanto were the biggest casualties after failing to defend the women’s team crown.

The trio got 7.665 points, good enough to win the bronze medal. Vietnam (7.950), Thailand (7.785) and Indonesia (7.670) took the top three spots.

The women’s poomsae team composed of Lagman, Ortega and former member Francesca Alarilla, topped the 2009 edition in Laos and 2011 Games in Indonesia.

The Philippines raised its gold-medal haul to 17. Other gold medalists are Henry Dagmil, Archand Christian Bagsit and Eric Cray of athletics; Daniel Parantac, Jessie Aligaga and Dembert Arcita of wushu; Josie Gabuco, Mark Barriga and Mario Fernandez of boxing; Ramon Franco of karatedo; Mark Galle-do of cycling; Nestor Cordova of rowing; the men’s compound archery team; and the men’s basketball team.

As of 4:30 p.m. (Wednesday in Manila), defending champion Thailand is still on top with 66 golds, 63 silvers and 57 bronzes followed by Myan-mar (52-41-49), Vietnam (51-48-54), Indonesia (47-59-67), Malaysia (27-25-49), Singapore (23-21-31), Philippines (17-21-26), Cambodia (5-7-14), Laos (4-8-24), Brunei (1-1-4) and Timor-Leste (1-0-2).

Link: http://manilatimes.net/ph-athletes-bag-three-more-gold-medals-in-naypyitaw/61695/

Rowing lane flows with gold for Indonesia

Source: The Jakarta Post

While many Indonesian teams have failed to hit their medal targets at the 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the rowing team surpassed theirs.

The team showed its true mettle after grabbing two more gold medals on Tuesday in addition to the three earned a day before at Ngalike Dam, Naypyitaw, Myanmar.

The gold medals were collected by Arief/Thomas Hallatu who proved the fastest in the men’s lightweight pair without coxswain and crossed the finish marker in 7:92.00. They were 1.61 seconds faster than the Philippines’ Roque Jr Abala/Alvin Amposta followed by Vietnam’s duo Thanh Binh Duong/Dinh Huy Nguyen 2:17 minutes later.

“We were almost overtaken on the last 1000-meter lap but we were able to hold on,” said Arief.

He added that it was the toughest event he had ever competed in, but “we fought it out for Indonesia”.

The second gold medal was presented to a group of nine Indonesian rowers comprising Jamaludin, Iswandi, Agus Budi Aji, Anang Mulyana, Edwin Ginanjarrudiana, Mochamad Alidartalakiki, M. Yakin, Ihram, and Jarudin in the lightweight men’s eight.

They grabbed the gold with a time of 5:59.88 followed by Thailand and Vietnam.

The rowing team had eyed three gold medals but instead collected five out of the nine golds up for grabs.

“Our lads gave their best and surpassed our target,” chairman of the Indonesian Rowing Association (PODSI) Ahmad Sutjipto said.

In the women’s lightweight single sculls Maryam Makdalena Daimoi was only able to seize silver after finishing 1.53 seconds behind Singapore’s Saiyidah Aisyah Mohamed Rafa’ee who clocked 8:08.94. The Bronze was taken by host Shwe Zin Latt with 8:14.85

In the lightweight women’s fours Ratna, Yayah Rokayah, Syifa Lisdiana and Yuniarty took bronze after finishing 16.55 seconds behind Myanmar with 7:07.45 and Vietnam with 7:09.53.

Coach Boudewijn Van Opstal said that he was happy with his team’s achievement.

“I had only set a target of one gold medal from the men’s lightweight pair without coxswain, but they were able to seized gold from prestigious event of lightweight men’s eight even though during training they did not look medal worthy.

“This is all thanks to our hard training for two years,” he said.




Link: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/12/18/rowing-lane-flows-with-gold-indonesia.html

SEA Games attracts both crowds and criticism

Source: Eleven

Local football fans seen outside Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon before the match between Myanmar and Thai men’s football match started on December 14. (Photo – Nyan Win Shein/EMG)

Public interest in the 27th Southeast Asian Games has grown since Myanmar put on a grandiose display at the opening ceremony in the capital Nay Pyi Taw on December 11.

Since the fireworks and lavish light and sound show captured the attention of local and international audiences, there has also been much criticism over the organisation of the Games.

Many of the events are being held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar's administrative capital, which is notoriously difficult to get around and where public transport is scarce. Aung Soe, a teacher from Naungcho, Shan State, travelled all the way to Nay Pyi Taw to support the volleyball team but found that the stadium was too far away.

"Zeyar Thiri Stadium, where the volleyball competition is held, is too far away so I couldn’t go there. As I’m working as a teacher at orphanages, I have to go back home even though I still want to cheer for other sports competitions," he said Aung Soe.

Thousands of Myanmar fans have also flocked to Nay Pyi Taw only to be met with exuberant hotel prices, lack of public transport and having to trek enormous distances between ticket offices and the sports venues.

Local football fans cheering for Myanmar men’s football team on December 14 at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon (Photo – Nyan Win Shein/EMG)

"There were difficulties in coming to watch the competitions. These include waiting in line for the tickets, far location of the stadiums, lack of buses. However, it is true that this event is very fun. I couldn’t come to watch everyday due to high expenses," said Zaw Min Aung from Pyinmana in Mandalay Region.

Over 9,000 people participated in the opening ceremony at the Wunna Theikdi Stadium and the government spent billions of kyats for the firework display and hi-tech entertainment systems. However, many still could not afford to watch the event live and had to watch it on television.

"I only got to watch the grand opening of the SEA Games from the television. At first, I didn’t expect the government to hold such a spectacular ceremony. It was a pretty big ceremony and it seemed that the government has spent a lot of money for this. Whatever it is, we won’t lose our face among the international community," said a teacher from Yangon.

The SEA Games are being hosted in Myanmar for the first time in over four decades and sporting events have been spread out between Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay, and Ngwe Saung Beach. Transportation and the lack of public information around events appears to have drawn much of the criticism.

"The stadiums are located very far. I didn’t know whether there are buses or not. There aren’t any road signs. I have to walk from one place to another. It took a long time between each bus. There weren’t enough restaurants and they are expensive. The main thing is I have to sit in one place for a long time even though I want to go to see other sports competitions due to transportation difficulties in Nay Pyi Taw," said Zarni Soe from Mandalay Region.

Despite the unaffordable prices for tickets, many events were far from full and local spectators were forced to watch the events at home. However, this didn't kill the joy and enthusiasm many felt for the opportunity to host the event and cheer their favourite athletes.

"We haven’t been able to host a sports event like this for over 40 years. So, I want to cheer for our teams and athletes for our country at this time," said Kyaw Kyaw from Kamayut Township in Yangon.

Some businessmen expressed their concern that the country was spending millions of the national budget for an international sports event while the country still faces many internal challenges during a fragile democratic transition.

"The public is struggling against economic crisis. Billions of money spent on this event is from the country's budget. From an economic point of view, it is a risk to do such thing like this while the country is still poor," said entrepreneur Thein Aung.

Link: http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/sports/4470-sea-games-attracts-both-crowds-and-criticism

Rioters cause havoc after Myanmar looses 1-0 to Indonesia

Source: Eleven

YANGON - A riot broke out at Thuwunna Stadium on Monday night after Myanmar lost 1-0 to Indonesia in the men's football last group match and got knocked out of the tournament.

The football match was the most anticipated event during the 27th SEA Games and Myanmar fans had high expectations that their side would reach the semi-final.

The team had already won against Cambodia and East Timor in earlier matches and tied 1-1 with Thailand. They needed a win or a draw to proceed to the semi-finals.

Broken seats seen inside the pitch after football hooligans torn them up following Myanmar men’s football team defeat to Indonesia at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on December 16 (Photo – Nyi Nyi Soe Nyunt/EMG)

Myanmar team’s coach, Park Sung Hwa from South Korea, has received the bulk of the blame for his choices of players for the lineup and substitution, which was missing many of Myanmar's star players.

"I felt very disappointed to see the player lineup at the start of the match. Why didn’t he use Kyaw Ko Ko at the start of the match? I want to say that we lost because of the coach’s wrongful decisions in choosing the players for the lineup and substitution," said veteran sports columnist Chit Win Maung.

Security police arresting a fan for throwing rocks into the pitch (Photo – Min Thein Naing/EMG)

Myanmar's team had a total of seven points and needed either a draw or a win to proceed in the tournament. However, after the match Park Sung Hwa told a press conference that he was unaware of the head-to-head rule and he had expected Myanmar to proceed even after loosing.

Football hooligans setting fire to the Sea Games billboard with pictures of the Myanmar men’s football team (Photo – Arkar/EMG)

He apologised and said he took full responsibility for the disappointing result. Moe Wai, media officer of the Myanmar U-23 team, confirmed that Park Sung Hwa had subsequently been sacked.

"His single decision destroyed the hopes of the 60 million fans in Myanmar," added Chit Win Maung.

Football hooligans setting fire to their Myanmar football team shirts (Photo – Arkar/EMG)

The disgruntled crowds started throwing water bags and shoes onto the pitch and tearing up seats as the Myanmar team was unable score in the closing minutes of the game. Three men also ran onto the pitch and were detained by security guards.

Security police taking a fan after he breached into the pitch (Photo – Nyi Nyi Soe Nyunt/EMG)

After the match ended, angry fans set fire to their Myanmar team t-shirts and tickets outside the stadium’s gate. Some even destroyed the SEA Games billboards featuring the players in front of the Thuwanna stadium, and began throwing stones at security and traffic police.

Police using water cannons to disperse the crowd (Photo – Min Thein Naing/EMG)

The police in return launched a crack-down on trouble makers using water hoses from fire engines. The number of angry fans soon increased forcing the police to retreat, regroup with more men and finally force the crowds to disperse.

Pieces of rocks thrown to the corner of Waizayantar Road and Laydauntkan Road by some fans (Photo – Win Myint Kyaw/EMG)

The riot ended around 11:45pm and the police say they have arrested some of the troublemakers.

Angry fans pelting stones at the police near the corner of of Waizayantar Road and Laydauntkan Road after Myanmar team’s defeat (Photo – Arkar)

"The angry mobs put fire to their clothes and billboards. We will arrest those who committed crimes and to release who didn’t commit crimes. We have released the men who entered the playground. I don’t think this kind of incident should happen. It shows that Myanmar has not matured," said a police officer.

Korean coach Park Sung Hwa who traded the hope of 60 million with his ego (Photo – Nyi Nyi Soe Nyunt/EMG)

Some football lovers however voiced their disappointment saying that the the SEA Games is over for them if Myanmar is no longer in the football tournament.

"For nearly all of us football is a national sport. Now that our football team is out of the SEA Games, our interest on the SEA Games is over,” said a salesman who was at the Myanmar-Indonesia match.




Link: http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/sports/4473-rioters-cause-havoc-after-myanmar-looses-1-0-to-indonesia

Football fans riot after home side loses in SEA Games semi-final

Source: Mizzima

Myanmar football fans set fire to a bill board and smashed stadium furniture during a riot that broke out after the national side was beaten by Indonesia in a SEA Games semi-final in Yangon on December 16.

Police were deployed to restore order after Indonesia's 1-0 victory at Thuwanna Stadium destroyed Myanmar's hopes of a gold in the football competition.

Shortly before the end of the match, spectators realized Myanmar would not score an equalizer to match Indonesia’s first-half penalty.

Furious fans began smashing stadium seats and hurled bottles and rocks at the pitch before taking their protest to roads outside the stadium.

A witness said some fans chanted for national football team to be disbanded and others were angry about the price they paid for black market tickets.

“Some of them paid K40,000 for a ticket on the black market as they weren’t able to buy tickets from official outlets,” said the witness.

Riot police in body armour and backed by fire trucks arrived at crossroads near the stadium about 8.45pm and were confronted by a stone-throwing crowd.

It was dispersed by riot police using fire hoses about 10pm, witnesses said.

About seven arrests were made, witnesses said.

Link:  http://www.mizzima.com/culture/sport/item/10747-football-fans-riot-after-home-side-loses-in-sea-games-semi-final

Cycling team gets final shot at medal

Source: The Brunei Times

THE national cycling team have one last chance to try and deliver something at the 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

The five-rider team - Reduan Yusop, Azmi @ Lokman Abd Hadzid and Ahmad Rifa’ie Hj Johor, Muhammad I’maadi Abd Aziz and Muhammad Rafiuddin Zikara - are set to tackle the 163-kilometre road race event today in Naypyidaw.

The event will flag off at Lane Li Bridge before ending at Leiway Clock Tower.

The team are coming off a second last placement out of eight countries – beating only hosts Myanmar - in the men’s 100km team time trial on Tuesday.

They clocked a time of 3:03:43 and were 27 minutes off the pace from winners Vietnam.

National cycling coach Yafiz Jamaludin was left scratching his head after he watched his charges finish poorly.

The Malaysian had set his eyes on finishing strongly in the team events either a podium finish or at least a top-five placement.

However, there is still hope for redemption and Rafiuddin, who was the only one not to cycle in the last event, believes that they have got what it takes to end their campaign strongly at the biennial Games.

“I’ve had enough rest. I believe that I can have a good race tomorrow (Wednesday) to help team Brunei,” said Rafiuddin in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

“We are in good shape now and it is not impossible for us to win a medal. We will go all out with our best for the last race,” he added.

“The course is difficult with a lot of tough climbs. But we know that we can do it as we are prepared for it,” continued Rafiuddin.

The national cycling team had opened their account in the competition with the cross country olympic event at Mount Pleasant on Friday. Both participants – Rafiuddin and I’maadi – failed to complete the race. The main target was a strong finish for Rafiuddin but he was hit by bad luck after suffering from a tyre puncture in the first lap of the 4.1km course.

Rafiuddin was the only Bruneian in the men’s 50km individual time trial on Sunday

Link: http://www.bt.com.bn/sports-national/2013/12/18/cycling-team-gets-final-shot-medal

Trackster earns another gold for Philippines

Source: The Manila Times

Olongapo-born Eric Shawn Cray reigned supreme in the men’s 400-meter hurdles to deliver the country’s 13th gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.

Cray registered 51.29 seconds in beating silver medalist Andrian Andrian of Indonesia (51.74) and third placer Dao Xuan Cuong of Vietnam (51.79) on Tuesday at the Wunna Theikdi Stadium. Chanon Keanchan of Thailand holds the 400m hurdles record of 49.76 he submitted in the 1995 edition in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Another Filipino, Junrey Bano finished sixth with a 53.85-second showing.

The Philippines also pocketed a couple of silver medals from rowing and chess.

Veteran rowers Roque Abala Jr. and Alvin Amposta secured a silver medal in the men’s lightweight coxless pairs after checking in at 7:09.53 seconds. They are behind Indonesians Arief and Thomas Hallatu, who submitted 7:07.92 for the gold medal.

Thanh Binh Duong and Nguyen Dinh Huy of Vietnam settled for the bronze medal in 7:10.09.

In chess, John Paul Gomez placed second in the men’s individual rapid. Megaranto Susanto of Indonesia bagged the gold while Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son of Vietnam got the bronze.

In muay thai, Jonathan Polosan and Precious Ocaya marched into the semifinals without breaking a sweat. They are now assured of one bronze each.

Polosan earned an opening round bye and will face Van Dai Vo of Vietnam in the men’s 63.5 kg semifinals on Thursday. Ocaya, for her part, will be battling Souimah of Indonesia in the semifinals of the women’s 54 kg. on Wednesday. There are only four participants in Ocaya’s weight class.

The judo competitions will commence today at the Zayar Thiri Indoor Stadium with Southeast Asian Judo Championships gold medalists Ruth Dugaduga, Nancy Quillotes-Lucero, Helen Dawa, Kiyome Watanabe and Jenilou Mosqueda leading the team’s campaign.

“Theses five judokas have the brightest chances of winning [gold medals],” said head coach Rolan Llamas.

Other members of the team are Bryan Quillotes, Lloyd Dennis Catipon, Gilbert Ramirez and Angelo Gabriel Gumila.

So far, the Philippines has 13 golds, 19 silvers and 24 bronzes for seventh place (as of 4:30 p.m.).

Defending champion Thailand is pulling away with 62 golds, 50 silvers and 51 bronzes followed by Vietnam (45-38-47), Indonesia (42-55-55), host Myanmar (42-39-44), Malaysia (26-24-46) and Singapore (22-20-30).

Link: http://manilatimes.net/trackster-earns-another-gold-for-philippines/61357/

27th SEA Games - DECEMBER 17 Summary

Archery
In archery at Wunna Theikdi Archery Field, Malaysia grabbed gold in men’s team recurve, beating silver medalists Thailand 213-212 in the final.

Indonesia won the bronze, topping Myanmar 202-198.

In women’s recurve team Indonesia beat Vietnam 212-200 and Myanmar won bronze 197-192 over Thailand.

Athletics
In athletics at Wunna Theikdi Stadium, Jirappong Meenapra (THA) raced to the men’s 100m gold in 10.48 seconds, beating silver medalist Iswandi Inswandi (INA) by three one-hundredths of a second and bronze winner Muhammad Amirudin Jamal (SIN) by seven one-hundredths.

In the men’s 5000m, Van Lai Nguyen (VIE) ran 14 minutes, 19.35 seconds to take gold. Boonthung Srisung (THA) got silver in 14:21.75 and Ridwan Ridwan (INA) got bronze in 14:27.69.

Myanmar’s Phyu War Thet took the women’s 5000m iun 16:06.01, nearly 20 seconds ahead of silver winner Triyaningsih Triyaningsih (INA) and a minute and half ahead of Khin Mar Sal (MYA) who got the bronze, Myanmar’s second medal in the race.

In the women’s 100m, Vietnam’s Thi Huong Vu left the field well in her trail as she grabbed gold in 11.59 seconds. Neeranuch Klomdee (THA) got silver and Tassaporn Wannakit (THA) took bronze.

Eric Shauwn Cray (PHI) left the field well in his wake clearing the men’s 400m hurdles in 51.29. Andrain Andrian (INA) got silver in 51.74 and Xuan Cuong Dao (VIE) the bronze in 51.70

In the women’s 400m hurdles, Wassana Winatho (THA), gold medalist in the heptathon on Monday, added the hurdles gold in 58.85 on Tuesday.

Thi Lan Quach (VIE) won silver and Dipna Lim Prasad 59.96 got bronze.

In the 800m, Thi Thao Do (VIE) got the women’s gold in 2:05.52, followed by Thi Ly Vu (VIE) in 2.07.25 for silver and Swe Lu Myint in 2:08.20 for bronze.

Mohd Jironi Riduan (MAS) got the men’s 800m title in 1:50.98, half a second ahead of the silver winner Mervin Guarte (PHI). Van Thai Duong (VIE) took the bronze.

In women’s triple jump, Maria Londa (INA) hopped, stepped and jumped 14.17m to win gold. Thitma Munagjan (THA) flew 14.16.0, for silver and Hue Hoa Tran (VIE) got bronze.

The men’s javelin title went to Peerchet Jantra (THA), gold. Hussadin Rodmanee (THA) won silver and Truong Giang Nguyen (VIE) took bronze.

Cycling In cycling at Mount Pleasant, Kunlapha Wiliawan (THA) averaged 30.563 kph over 128km to win gold in the women’s road race. She covered the course in 4:11:17, 3.5 second faster than teammate Maneephan Jutatip (THA), Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi That got the bronze.

Equestrian In equestrian at Wunna Theikdi Equestrian Field, Indonesia jumped to the team show jumping gold medal, followed by Myanmar with silver and Thailand with bronze.

Rowing

In rowing at Nga Lite Dam, Indonesia got gold in the men’s LM2, followed by Philippines on silver and Vietnam with bronze.

Indonesia also grabbed the men’s eights gold, covering the 2000m in 5:59.88, just 0.72 second ahead of silver medalists Thailand. Viertnam got bronze, 122.36 off the winner’s pace.

Women’s singles gold went LW1 to Singapore’s Saiyaiah Aisyah Mohamed Rafa’ee in 8:06.94. Indonesia’s Mayam Makdalena Daimoi got silver and Myanmar’s Shwe Zin Latt won bronze.

In the coxless fours, Myanmar won gold, Vietnam silver and Indonesia bronze.

Shooting At North Dagon Shooting Range in Yangon, Nicole Tan Ling Chiao (SIN) won the women’s 25m pistol gold. Mohd Badrin Siti Nur Masilah (MAS) got silver and Trieu Thi Hoa Hong (VIE) won bronze.

In the team, Vietnam took gold, Singapore silver and Thailand bronze.

Golf In golf at Royal Myanmar Golf Club, Danthai Boonma (THA) shot a third- round 4-under par 70 to stretch his lead to 4 strokes on 206 over Nattawat Suvajanakron (THA), Poom Saksansin (THA) and Gavin Kyle Green (MAS), all on 210.

In team play, the Thai men (622) hold a 10-stroke lead over Myanmar’s 632. Malaysia moved into third on 637.

In women’s individual, Princess Mary Superal (PHI) ripped the course for a 6-under 66 to take the lead on 138 after two rounds. Yin May Myo (MYA), after a 1-over 73 is on 144 and four players are on 147.

In team play, Philippines, on 283, leads Myanmar by 7 strokes and Thailand by 12.

Hockey At Hockey Field, Yangon, Singapore’s women took an 8-0 lead over Cambodia into the locker room at the end of the first half and scored another 8 goals in the second to win 16-0.

But the day’s second match between Myanmar and Indonesia was a closely marked affair, Myanmar scoring a single goal in the second half to win 1-0.

Sepak Takraw In men’s sepak takraw doubles Group A at Wunna Theikdi Stadium, Brunei beat Singapore 2-1 and Vietnam beat Cambodia in a walkover.

In Group B Indonesia blanked Laos 3-0 and Myanmar topped Malaysia 3-0.


Volleyball
In volleyball at Zeyarthiri Indoor Stadium (B), Thailand beat Vietnam 3-0 (25-18, 25-16, 25-22) and Indonesia was pushed to 3-1 (25-13, 20-25, 25- 17, 25-15) by Myanmar in the day’s second match.