PHNOM PENH – Snooker came to the rescue for Malaysia yesterday when it delivered the only glitter of gold on the ninth day of the SEA Games.
Thor Chuan Leong’s success in the men’s snooker singles event proved to be the only consolation in Malaysia’s search for gold yesterday.
However, even the achievement of the cueist known as “Mighty Thor” could not improve Malaysia’s position in the medal standings as they remained seventh with 29 gold, 41 silver, and 79 bronze medals.
It will surely be difficult for the Malaysian contingent to improve their position in the medal tally as sixth-placed Singapore have already raked in a haul of 42-36-55, with just two days to go before the curtain comes down on the biennial Games on Wednesday.
The national camp’s hopes of meeting its 40-gold target also look to be dim after events which used to be a gold mine for Malaysia – like diving, athletics, karate and silat – have already ended.
The national contingent will now focus on hockey, badminton, and sepak takraw to add to their gold medal collection.
The sepak takraw squad can add to the medal tally when they take on Indonesia in the men’s doubles final today.
At the end of the Games’ ninth day, Vietnam continued to lead the medal tally with 107 golds, 90 silvers, and 94 bronzes, followed by Thailand with 90-67-88, while Indonesia with 67-61-80 have overtaken hosts Cambodia, who have 65-61-103, in third spot.
The Philippines with 46-72-86 are in fifth place. – Bernama, May 15, 2023
