ON a day where three new Games records were set, Malaysia continue to pull away from its rivals, amassing another eight gold medals on Monday (Aug 21) to remain at the top of the overall tally of the 29th SEA Games.
Malaysia now have 24 gold medals in the bag after two days of competition proper, leaving closest rival Singapore on second spot with 13 gold medals.
Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand have yet to breach the 10-gold mark but the medal chart is expected to change as the first day of athletics programme gets underway with eight finals events to be contested at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium tomorrow.
However, it was Malaysia’s Welson Sim, Indonesia’s Gede Simon Sudartawa and Olympic star Joseph Schooling of Singapore who grabbed the headlines following their Games record-breaking exploits at the pool.
The recurve archery team added another two gold in the bag at the NSC Synthetic Field with the men and women’s recurve team continue to shine.
The men’s doubles bowling team contributed one goal while pro rider Hariff Salleh delivered his promise to retain the criterium cycling gold with a victory in Putrajaya.
England-based Benjamin Khor delivered a gold in double trap event to give shooting a promising start while the artistic gymnastic team lived up to expectation with a gold in the women’s artistic team at MITEC.
Wushu meanwhile provided Malaysia’s first gold of the day Wai Kin Yeap in Qiangshu event. Malaysia wrapped up their campaign for the day with a convincing 3-1 win over Myanmar which assures their semi final slot.
The action continues with 45 gold medals at stake on Tuesday (22 Aug). Athletics at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium offers the biggest number with eight gold medals while karate starts off its first day of competition at KLCC with six gold medals.
More action from the National Aquatics Centre as six gold medals are up for grabs while gymnastic (artistic) at MITEC offers six gold medals.
The KL2017 Games ends on 30 Aug.
