Malaysia had plenty to cheer at the Titiwangsa Indoor Stadium on Wednesday as Malaysia won the first gold medal in the 29th Sea Games (KL2017) in the chinlone linking competition.
The Malaysians dominated the final against the Philippines to clinch the gold with a 391-271 victory – writing history in the process. Â Malaysia won both rounds in the final – winning the first 197-133 and the second 194-138.
It was not only the first gold of the games but it was also Malaysia’s first medal in the sport which made its debut at the Myanmar Sea Games in 2013.
A delighted Malaysia’s head coach Yusuff Abdullah said: “I feel as if a big burden has been lifted off my shoulders. Hopefully, it will kick-start Malaysia’s campaign for golds in other events…and inspire the others to go for gold.
“We felt a little nervous at the beginning but grew in confidence and became comfortable as the game progressed. Once we got into rhythm it was smooth going for us.
“The gold takes special pride in us. Apart from winning the first gold in this year’s games it was also Malaysia’s first gold medal in the sport.”
Malaysia’s team captain Muhammad Faiz Roslan credited the gold to “team effort” and praised his teammates for the historic gold.
Despite the defeat in the final, winning the silver is a big achievement for the Philippines in their debut in the caneball sport which brings out the best in jugglings from the six  players in the team.Â
“This is the first time we are competing in this event and lacked the experienced compared to Malaysia who competed in the 2013 (Myanmar) and 2015 (Singapore) Sea Games.
“Nevertheless, my players did very well and I am very satisfied with their performance,” said head coach, Metodio Suico Jr Junmar Aleta. – BY DESLYN YOON
