Khairul is fastest man in Southeast Asia
Published on: Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Kuala Lumpur: National sprint ace Khairul Hafiz Jantan became the fastest man in Southeast Asia after winning the gold medal in the 100m at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil here, Tuesday night.The 19-year-old, who hails from Melaka, crossed the finish line in the blue ribband event in 10.38s, beating defending champion Eric Cray of the Phlippines who had to be satisfied with silver after doing 10.43s.Thailand's Kritsada Namsuwun who also did 10.43s had settle for the bronze based on the photo-finish while Khairul's teammate Jonathan Nyepa from Sarawak finished in fifth place in 10.66s.
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However, Khairul Hafiz who holds the national record of 10.18s was far off the Games record of 10.17s set by Suryo Agung Wibobo (10.17s) of Indonesia at the Laos Games in 2009.Khairul Hafiz, dubbed "Speedy Jantan", had done better in the semifinals where he clocked 10.34s while Jonathan did 10.60s.He will next be in action in the 200m on Wednesday. Meanwhile, in the women's 100m final, national sprinter Zaidatul Husniah Zulkifli won the silver after clocking 11.74s.
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The gold was won by Le Tu Chinh of Vietnam (11.56s) while Singapore's Shanti Pereira took the bronze (11.76s).Another national sprinter, Siti Fatimah Mohamad, finished in fifth place after posting 11.85s.
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Meanwhile, Rio Paralympics gold medallist and Para world record holder Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli who competed against normal athletes in the SEA Games, created history by winning the bronze medal in men's shot put.Ziyad who had also won the Para World Championships gold medal with a new world record set two historic moments in the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games by becoming the first Paralympic athlete to compete in the SEA Games and win a medal.The 27-year-old Ziyad who has a personal best distance of 17.29m threw a distance of 17.12m to take the bronze behind two Thailand athletes, namely Promrob Juntima who defended his gold medal with a distance of 17.42m while his compatriot Thawat Khacin won silver with a throw of 17.15m.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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