Muay Fghter Lokman Delivers Gold for Malaysia (updated)

MALAYSIA UPDATED. Father-to-be Mohd Lokman Akimi Mat Raji leapt in sheer joy after punching his way to Malaysia’s first ever Muay gold medal in the SEA Games inside a sardine-packed hall at the Wunna Theikdi Sports Complex here on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Lokman, oblivious to the deafening noise by the delirious and fanatical crowd, went on the offensive from the start to beat Vietnam’s Nguyen Ngo Trieu Nhat 3-0 in the 51kg final.

After winning two rounds with his impressive upper arm skills, Lokman took it easy in the third and fortunately his opponent failed to take advantage.

The skinny police constable dedicated his sensational victory to his soon-to-be-born baby. His wife Noraini Che Husna is expected to deliver in March.

The Pasir Mas-born Lokman was happy that all his sacrifices had paid off.

He had to stay away from his family for more than a month during the intensive training stint with his team-mates in Bangkok, Thailand.

And he also had to go on a diet to shed four kilos to be able to compete in the 51kg event.

“I am so thankful right now ... words cannot describe my happiness. I have won Muay’s first gold for Malaysia in the SEA Games,” said a trembling Lokman.

When asked why he was shaking, he said: “I have lost four kilos over the last two months and the final bout was punishing. My body is still reacting to it.

“But it is all worth it. This is for my soon-to-be-son. My wife will be very happy. All the hard work, sacrifices and punishing training has paid off.”

Malaysia are taking part in Muay for the first time in the SEA Games and Lokman was delighted to have made a breakthrough in the sport.

“All this would not have happened if not for the support of Persatuan Muay Malaysia (PMM), NSC (National Sports Council) and the police force. I hope they will continue their support for the sport,” added Lokman, who took up the sport when he was 14.

Head coach Bernard Radin, however, wished that there were some crowd control inside the hall to prevent a tragedy from happening.

Thousands of fans pushed themselves into every empty space inside the stadium including the players’ entrance area.

“We know Myanmar love this sport but they should not have allowed everyone to enter the packed hall. This is not right and can pose a security threat to the athletes,” said Bernard.
thestar.com.my

Malaysia Unchallenged in Women’s Hockey

MALAYSIA, heavy favorites coming in, finished off their comfortable run through the women’s hockey competition with a 6-1 gold medal victory over Thailand on Friday at the Theinphyu Hockey Field in Yangon. Myanmar sewed up the bronze, avenging a group stage loss to Singapore.

The bronze medal win for Myanmar comes as the team was only formed some six months ago from mostly recruited football players. Singapore had previously beat Myanmar 2-1 in the preliminary round.

Ma Thin Thin Hlaing, Myanmar’s team captain who scored the winning goal yesterday, said, “I am happy and proud of my team to have defeated a world standard team in front of host fans in our own country. And we will play to win the gold medal in the next SEA Games.” Singapore entered the SEA Games ranked 33rd in the world.

Following the women’s match, the vice president of the Myanmar Hockey Federation reminded the men’s team that they also must fulfill their duty, as they prepare to play Thailand for the men’s hockey bronze.

“The women’s team is only six months old. It proved Myanmar’s spirit. Whatever their ability was, they didn’t miss any chance they came across. I am proud of them. I think being ranked 33rd in the world rankings, the Singaporean team...underestimated Myanmar’s women’s team, thinking they would easily defeat us. Tomorrow’s match will also be as good as today’s. They [Myanmar’s men’s team] will play their best for third prize,” announced hockey vice president U Saw Lu Lu Htaw. 
seagames2013.com
 

Malaysia Continues to Out-Class The Diving Field

MALAYSIA UPDATED. With four diving gold medals from four events under their swimsuits already, Malaysia’s synchronized pairs arrived at Wunna Theikdi Swimming Pool yesterday clear favorites before any of them even launched from the 3m spring-board in the 27th SEA Games’ first synchronized events.

And when the final dives were complete, Malaysia had two more golds from two more events.

In the men’s 3m springboard synchronized, Ooi Tse Liang and Azman Ahmad Amsyar of Malaysia amassed 373.36 points for gold, out-scoring silver medalists Timothy Lee Han Kuan and Mark Lee Han Ming of Singapore by more than 36 points. Indonesia’s Jamjami Akhmad Sukran and Putra Adityo Restu close behind the Singapore pair on 334.62 points for the bronze.

On the women’s side of the 3m springboard synchronized event, Cheong Jun Hoong and Ng Yan Lee continued the Malaysian dominance, scoring 293.70 points for gold. Setyaningsih Dewi and Indah Eka Purnama of Indonesia won the silver with 249.90 points and Myra Lee Jia Wen and Fong Kay Yan of Singapore got bronze on 223.53 points.

Since diving began on December 18, only Singapore’s Timothy Lee Han Ming, silver medalist in the men’s 3m springboard on December 19, has managed to squeeze out a medal of a brighter color than a Malaysian diver. 
seagames2013.com

Bronze on Singapore Young Lions’ Minds

SINGAPORE UPDATED. Following their 1-0 semi-final loss to Thailand in the SEA Games football competition, the Singapore Under-23 boys who did not play in Thursday’s match at Zeyarthiri Stadium took a morning practice session at the Lewe training field.

Several may fancy their chances of being named in the starting XI for the bronze-medal match tonight against Malaysia, with coach Aide Iskandar open to the possibility of blooding the bench-warmers, although he insists the final line-up is still under consideration.

According to him, it was still important for the Young Lions to return home with a medal and playing Malaysia will give the players extra motivation. Only five days ago, the two sides fought out a 1-1 draw in their Group A match. And both teams will need to shrug off the disappointment of losing their semi-finals to contest for the minor prize.

Said Aide: “The players don’t want to have travelled all the way here to go home empty-handed.

“They are still feeling a bit down from losing to Thailand, but they will need to shrug that off and start feeling the hunger again for a medal.”

Ong Kim Swee’s Harimau Muda will arguably be more fatigued, as this game will be their fifth match in eight days — it showed in their lethargic loss on Thursday to Indonesia on penalties.

As Ong told TODAY: “Singapore have the advantage because we have just finished a mentally-sapping game against Indonesia that went into extra time and penalties ... It’s a question of who is hungrier for the bronze, but I will remind my team that pride is at stake.”

Apart from minor knocks, Aide should be able to field his strongest line-up against Malaysia, although striker Shahfiq Ghani’s place could be under threat. The 21-year-old has had a dismal campaign, failing to reproduce his Malaysian Super League form when he scored six goals for the LionsXII. 

That could mean a second start in Myanmar for 20-year-old Iqbal Hussain, or a reshuffle in the line-up to give the Young Lions more bite up front.

While Aide conceded that Shahfiq has not shown up at this tournament, he refused to confirm the forward’s selection for the bronze-medal tie. “I don’t want to give the game away as I’m sure Ong Kim Swee would also want to win this one,” he said.

Beating Malaysia tonight will mean a repeat of the bronze-medal win from the 2009 Games. The Young Lions failed to advance from the group stage at the 2011 Games. 

Football: Malaysia vs Singapore SEA Games Report

SINGAPORE UPDATED. Singapore’s footballers ended their SEA Games campaign with a bronze medal after defeating Malaysia on Saturday evening in Naypyidaw, Myanmar.

It might not have been the colour they wanted to come home with, but Aide Iskandar’s charges will be happy to have finished their campaign with victory following a limp 1-0 defeat to Thailand in the semi-finals two days earlier.

A late free-kick from their Causeway rivals had denied Singapore a win when they met earlier in Group A, but there was to be no repeat of that 1-1 result the second time round.

Ong Kim Swee’s charges, who crashed out to Indonesia on penalties in their semi-final, had started brightly in front of the 2,000-odd supporters at the Zeyar Thiri Sports Stadium.

D. Saarvindran curled a free-kick wide before Nazmi Faiz slammed a 30-yard drive past the post, with the latter then shooting straight at Izwan Mahbud in the seventh minute.

But the Young Lions took the lead with their first attack. Gabriel Quak, who came in for his first start of the tournament, beat his man on the right and skipper Hariss Harun earned a corner after coming over to help out.

From Zulfahmi Arifin’s resulting delivery, goalkeeper Izham Tarmizi fumbled his catch and Hariss was johnny-on-the-spot to easily tap home the loose ball in the 13th minute.

Just one minute later, Hariss grabbed his second.

The midfielder, playing in an advanced role behind sole striker Sahil Suhaimi, timed a late run into the box perfectly to knock home a left-wing cross from the latter and stun the Malaysians in a double whammy.

Izwan pushed Saarvindran’s curler behind in the 20th minute before comfortably gathering Hazwan Bakri’s attempt from range on the half-hour, but the Malaysians were held at bay with a degree of comfort as they trailed at the break.

Rozaimi, who scored the equaliser in that first match, was brought on in the 51st minute as Malaysia upped the firepower but it was Singapore who threatened more.

Quak saw two efforts saved by Izham and Hafiz Sujad rocked the bar with a piledriver, with the former then lashing another shot over before Sahil wasted a two-on-one break with a poor final ball.

Malaysia made them pay past the hour mark when Afiq Yunos’s headed clearance fell to Thamil Arasu in the box, who was left unmarked to volley the ball into the bottom corner.

Singapore’s profligacy threatened to haunt them as the tide turned, with the yellow shirts looking increasingly dangerous.

Thamil, who was more of a menace in the second half, lashed a fierce strike from a narrow angle not far wide before setting up Nazmi for a volley that was hit straight at Izwan, as Malaysia pushed hard for an equaliser.

Another breakaway was wasted by Singapore when Sahil sprinted clear and beat Izham with his cross, but no team-mate kept up with him.

It was all hands to the pump as Malaysia piled on the pressure in the dying minutes, but it was to no avail.

Izwan was forced to clutch on to another low effort in added time and the custodian was left rooted as Saarvindran’s half-volley flew centimetres wide, leaving the winger clutching his head in disbelief.

That was the last chance for Malaysia as Singapore clung on for victory, perhaps redeeming themselves in part by bagging the bronze over the defending champions.

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Hariss hits brace as Singapore win bronze
The Young Lions captain scored twice in two minutes to stun the Malaysians as they survived a late onslaught from the defending champions to clinch third place. (Photo)
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Thais Take Football Gold With 1-0 Win Over Indonesia

THAILAND UPDATED. Thailand beat Indonesia 1-0 to take gold in the men's under-23 football final at the Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar on Saturday.

A clever finish by forward Sarawut Masuk on 21 minutes was enough to hold off the hard-working Indonesians -- who were runners-up and silver medalists for the second tournament in a row.

Singapore earlier took bronze after beating defending champions Malaysia 2-1.

The Thais went into the final as hot favourites after trouncing the Indonesians 4-1 in the group stage and going unbeaten for the whole tournament.

But there was to be no repeat of that cake walk in an absorbing, tight encounter.

The Indonesian midfield recovered from a cagey start to take control of the game, but the side lacked conviction in the final third allowing the Thai defence to easily mop up attacks.

For all their endeavour it was the Thais who struck first.

The deadlock was broken on 21 minutes as Thailand's Sarawut Masuk cut through the Indonesian backline with a one-two before chipping the ball exquisitely over the advancing goalkeeper.

Thereafter Thailand appeared content to absorb pressure and launch the occasional counter-attack.

While Indonesia huffed and puffed they carved few clear chances, although the industrious Ramdani Lestaluhu clipped the outside of the post on 75 minutes after a melee in the goal area.

At the final whistle the delighted Thai bench streamed onto the pitch to celebrate with their teammates, while the inconsolable Indonesians sunk to the turf at Naypyidaw's purpose-built Zayar Thiri Stadium.
It was the second narrow SEA Games loss for the Indonesians, who fell on penalties at home to Malaysia in the 2011 final.

The result gives the Thais gold for the first time since 2007.

It also secured a double gold for Thai football after the women's team overcame Vietnam in the final on Friday.

Fiercely contested but little known outside the region, the SEA Games are held every two years, giving athletes from lesser sporting nations a chance of medal glory.

Myanmar's hosting of the Games has been seen as a 'coming out' party for the former junta-ruled nation as it undergoes sweeping reforms.

Thailand leads the medals table with 106 golds with one day of competition to go while the hosts are in second on 84 golds.

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Thailand's Praweenwat Boon Yong celebrates after scoring a penalty for a 1-0 lead against Singapore in the football semifinal during the 27th SEA Games in Naypyidaw's Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Myanmar, on Dec 19, 2013. -- Photo: Kevin Lim
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straitstimes.com
 

Singapore Sailors Bag 5 Golds, 2 Silvers & 5 Bronzes

SINGAPORE UPDATED. Singapore's sailors have clinched at least four titles at the ongoing SEA Games, held at the Ngwe Saung beach in Myanmar.

The team's Optimist sailors made a comeback after losing the team title to Thailand earlier in the week, taking both the individual titles. Edward Tan bagged the boys' trophy while Fathin Rasyiqin won the girls' event.


Elizabeth Yin won the Laser Radial, a one-person Olympic-class dinghy, while Kimberly Lim and Savannah Siew were untouchable in the girls' 420 class.

Cecilia Low and Priscilia Low are also ranked first in the women's 470 class and will go on to win the gold if the protest is dismissed.

A total of 13 titles were up for grabs at the biennial event.

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Singapore's Optimist sailors consisting of (from left) Raynn Kwok, Edward Tan, Bertha Han, Isaac Tang, coach Fernando Alegre and Fathin Rasyqin Firdaus. The team has clinched at least four titles at the ongoing SEA Games, held at the Ngwe Saung beach in Myanmar on Friday, Dec 20, 2013. -- Photo: Singapore Sailng
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straitstimes.com
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Singapore Beat Malaysia 2-1 to Clinch Football Bronze

SINGAPORE UPDATED. A two-minute brace by Hariss Harun against Malaysia gave Singapore's football team a bronze medal at the Myanmar SEA Games on Saturday.

Singapore won bronze after defeating Malaysia 2-1.

Hariss bundled home his first goal with 13 minutes gone, after the Malaysian goalkeeper fluffed his lines at a corner.

The 23-year-old then struck his second goal moments later, following great work down the flanks by Sahil Suhaimi.

Malaysia stepped up after the break and pulled one back after a defensive blunder by Afiq Yunos.

The Tigers could even have levelled at the death, but Izwan Mahbud was alert to the danger.

Singapore held off further attacks to clinch bronze, and give Malaysia their first normal time defeat in 15 SEA Games outings.

Head coach for Singapore U-23s Aide Iskandar said the achievement means little consolation for missing out on the gold, but plans are in place to achieve gold in 2015.

He said: "I believe that with good preparation, we can look forward to a good tournament.

"I think from now on, with this bronze medal, I believe that we should be working towards getting our first gold, because that is the only medal that we have not achieved at this point in time."

Singapore Earn Football Bronze After 2-1 Win Over Malaysia

SINGAPORE UPDATED. Singapore's men's football team clinched the bronze medal at the South-east Asia (SEA) Games in Myanmar, after beating rivals Malaysia 2-1 in their third-place play-off match on Saturday.


A quickfire first-half double by Singapore captain Hariss Harun gave the Young Lions a perfect start, before Malaysia pulled one back through Thamil Arasu.

With this football bronze, Team Singapore's tally for this SEA Games stands at 34 golds, 29 silvers and 45 bronzes.
straitstimes.com
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SEA Games Highlights – 20 December 2013

VIETNAM UPDATED. Friday was an unfruitful, if not unhappy, day for Vietnam at the 27th SEA Games Myanmar 2013 as they sustained three defeats against Thailand in futsal and football, while adding only two gold medals into the collection.

Vietnam faced Thailand in three finals of the day in men’s and women’s futsal and women’s football, but failed to win any of the three.

Thailand trounced Vietnam 8-1 in the men’s futsal, and 5-0 in the women’s event. In the women’s football final later, the Thai girls continued to grab another gold medal by beating Vietnam 2-1.

The Vietnamese athletes only managed to won two golds by martial artists Le Huynh Chau (taekwondo) and Nguyen Thi Quyen Chan (vovinam).

They meanwhile took home as many as 12 silver medals.

By the end of Friday, Vietnam slipped to the second place behind leader Thailand and host Myanmar with 66 golds, 72 silvers, and 74 bronzes.

Below are some highlights of Friday’s competitions compiled by the official website of the event.

Futsal
In men’s futsal Futsal Stadium, Thailand grabbed the gold medal win an 8- 1 win over Vietnam who never really challenged in the match. Vietnam got the silver and Indonesia won the bronze medal, beating Myanmar 6-5 on penalties after both teams ended regulation and extra time tied 3-3.

In women’s play, Thailand took a 2-0 lead over Vietnam into the dressing room at halftime and scored three unanswered goals in the second half to win the gold medal 5-0. Vietnam got the silver.

Traditional Boat
In traditional boat race at Nga Lite Dam Myanmar continued its winning ways, the mixed 10-crew taking gold in 2 minutes, 13.837 seconds over 500m. Thailand won the silver in 2:14.817 and finishing nearly 5 seconds ahead of bronze medalists Indonesia.

In the mixed 20-crew, Indonesia again surprised the hosts – they won a gold yesterday – by taking the gold medal in 1:50.952, more than a second ahead of silver medalists Thailand.

Myanmar got the bronze another half second behind Thailand.

The host country returned to the top podium step in the men’s 5-crew, finishing in 1:55.895, more than 7 seconds ahead of silver medalists Thailand and bronze medalists Indonesia.

In the day’s final race, the women’s 5-crew, Myanmar again stepped onto the top of the medals platform, winning gold in 2:15.713. Thailand got silver in 2:24.516 and Singapore got its first medal in traditional boat with a2:27.139 for bronze.

So far, Myanmar has lost the gold medal only twice in 14 races.

The last races are to be paddled tomorrow over 2000m.

Taekwondo
Taekwondo at Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium, Nuttawee Klompong (THA) won gold in the men’s 58kg. Ong Stevanus Ariosuseno (INA) took the silver and Doungsivilay Phammasone(LAO) and Rozaimi Rozali (MAS)won bronzes.

At 63kg, Huynh Chau Le (VIE) fought to the gold, beating Ryan Chong Wy (MAS) down to silver. Paul Romero (PHI) and Sornsart Poolpong (THA) got the bronze.

In women’s 49kg, Phannapa Harnsujin (THA) won the gold, Thi Huong Giang Doan (VIE) the silver and Eaimdra Aung (MYA) and Luisa Dos Santos Rosa (TLS) took bronzes.

At 53kg, Sarita Phongsri (THA) grabbed the gold, Thanh Thao Nguyen (VIE) the silver and Puthearim Chhoeung (CAM) and Pauline Louise Lopez (PHI) won bronzes.

Hockey
In hockey at Hockey Stadium, Yangon Indonesia beat Cambodia 8-0 in the final round-robin match before Myanmar played a hard defensive match against a complacent Singapore to win the bronze medal 1- 0.

In the gold medal match, Malaysia made no mistakes in taking the gold medal 8-1 over Thailand, who had settle for silver.

Kempo
In kempo at National Indoor Stadium, Yangon, the men’s randori 50kg went to Than Win (MYA), the silver to Joao Fernandes (TLS) and bronzes to Saren Phat (CAM) and Suea Thammaksone (LAO)

At 60kg, Kyaw Lin Oo (MYA) won gold, Dethsavanh Zaiavong (LAO) silver and Ronald Huiyanto (INA) and Duy Chung Nguyem (VIE) bronze.

At 65kg, Yules Umbu Hamba Pulu Umbu (INA) won gold, Khonesavanh Soundala (LAO) the silver and Kiri Sovan (CAM) and Francisco Pereira (TLS) the bronzes.

In Kumi embu pair kyu kenshi, Antonio Manuel/Julianto Pereira gave Timor-Leste the gold, Anggi Prasetia/Muhammad Qbal (INA) got silver and Aung Naing Tun/Tun Lin Aung (MYA) won bronzes.

In dantai embu, Indonesia took gold, Timor-Leste silver and Laos bronze.

In women’s dantai embu, Indonesia won gold, Vietnam silver and Myanmar bronze.

Volleyball
In volleyball at Zeyarthiri Indoor Stadium Indonesia beat Myanmar 3-0 for the women’s bronze medal

In men’s play, Laos outlasted Malaysia 3-2 to finish 5th. Vietnam beat Myanmar 3-0 to win the bronze medal.

Vovinam
In vovinam at Zeyarthiri Indoor Stadium in men’s Song Luyen Ma Tau, Hlwan Aung/Than Htike (MYA) took gold, Dong Vuong Lam/The Thuong Tran (VIE) silver and Chin Piseth/Chrin Bunlong (CAM) bronze.

In Da Luyen Vu Khi Nam, Indonesia got gold, Vietnam silver and Myanmar bronze.

Among the women, at 55kg, Thi Quyen Chan Nguyen (VIE) won gold, Paloy Barckkam (LAO) silver and Hay Man Soe (MYA) and Ni Luh Kadek Apriyanti (INA) won bronzes.

In Long Ho Quyen, Khaing Wha Phue (MYA) took gold, Le Cam Xuan Hua (VIE) silver and Pal Chhorraksmy (CAM) bronze.

In Song Luyen Kiem, Arista Dewi Luh Gede/Ratna Dewi Ni Made (INA) won gold, Le Cam Xuan Hua/Thi Kim Thuy Mai (VIE) silver and Nay Zar Win/Nway Oo Khin (MYA) bronze.
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Philippine Sailing Team Grabs 2 Silvers at 27th SEA Games

PHILIPPINES UPDATED. The Philippine national sailing team grabbed two silver medals at the last day of sailing competitions yesterday in the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Ngwe Saung Beach, Pathein, Myanmar.

Geylord Coveta placed second in the Open RS One Wind Surfing competition, delivering 3 first place finish, 4 second place finish, and 5 third place finish to win the silver medal with a score of 20 points. 

read more : pinoyheadline.com

Thailand’s Natthapong Phonopharat won the gold with 13 points, while Igma Oka Sulaksana of Indonesia taking the bronze medal with 21 points.

In the men’s international 470 event, the duo of Richly Magsanay and Ridgely Balladares scored 25 points after 12 rounds of competitions to grab the silver medal.

Navee Thamsoontorn and Nut Butmarasri won the gold medal with 16 points, while Wen Jie Joel Pang and Wong Loong Darren Choy clinched the bronze with 28 points.

Philippines’ representative in the men’s and women’s laser radial sailing event, Rubin Cruz and Alaiza Mae Belmonte only managed to place 4th after 12 rounds of competition; while Renz Angelo Amboy also placed 4th in the men’s RS one – wind surfing – boys event.

The Philippine sailing team end their 2013 SEA Games campaign with 2 silver medals..
pinoyheadline.com

Philippine Sailing Team Grabs 2 Silvers

PHILIPPINES UPDATED. The Philippine national sailing team grabbed two silver medals at the last day of sailing competitions yesterday in the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Ngwe Saung Beach, Pathein, Myanmar.

Geylord Coveta placed second in the Open RS One Wind Surfing competition, delivering 3 first place finish, 4 second place finish, and 5 third place finish to win the silver medal with a score of 20 points.

Thailand’s Natthapong Phonopharat won the gold with 13 points, while Igma Oka Sulaksana of Indonesia taking the bronze medal with 21 points.

In the men’s international 470 event, the duo of Richly Magsanay and Ridgely Balladares scored 25 points after 12 rounds of competitions to grab the silver medal.

Navee Thamsoontorn and Nut Butmarasri won the gold medal with 16 points, while Wen Jie Joel Pang and Wong Loong Darren Choy clinched the bronze with 28 points.

Philippines’ representative in the men’s and women’s laser radial sailing event, Rubin Cruz and Alaiza Mae Belmonte only managed to place 4th after 12 rounds of competition; while Renz Angelo Amboy also placed 4th in the men’s RS one – wind surfing – boys event.

The Philippine sailing team end their 2013 SEA Games campaign with 2 silver medals.
pinoyheadline.com

Kronologi Final Sepak Bola Thailand 1 - 0 Indonesia

INDONESIA UPDATED. Thailand menjuarai SEA Games 2013 setelah mengalahkan Indonesia 1-0 pada partai final cabang sepak bola putra di Stadion Zayyarthiri, Naypyitaw, Sabtu (21/12/2013). Sarawut Masuk menjadi pahlawan Negeri Gajah Putih lewat gol cantiknya pada menit ke-22.

Dengan demikian, Thailand menyabet medali emas turnamen dua tahunan antara negara-negara Asia Tenggara ini dan Indonesia harus puas menyabet medali perak. Perunggu sepak bola diraih Singapura, yang pada laga perebutan medali ini menang 2-1 atas Malaysia.

Sejak awal pertandingan, Thailand, yang mengalahkan Indonesia 4-1 pada babak penyisihan Grup B, langsung mengambil inisiatif menyerang.  Menit kedelapan, pasukan besutan Kiatisuk Senamuang ini sudah memberikan ancaman serius. Melalui kerja sama dari sektor tengah, bola diumpan kepada Pokklaw Anan yang melakukan gocekan sebelum melepaskan tendangan terarah ke pojok kiri gawang. Beruntung Kurnia Meiga sigap menepisnya.

Indonesia memberikan respon yang bagus. Pada menit ke-12, Ramdani Lestaluhu mendapatkan peluang. Meloloskan diri dari kawalan pemain belakang Thailand, Ramdani melepaskan tendangan dari luar kotak penalti. Tetapi si kulit bundar mengarah tepat ke penjaga gawang Kawin Thammasatchanan. Ini merupakan peluang pertama pasukan Garuda Muda.

Thailand terus mendominasi pertandingan. Pada menit ke-19, tim Negeri Gajah Putih ini kembali memberikan tekanan lewat tedangan pojok. Kurnia Meiga tampil sangat cemerlang mengantisipasi bola tendangan sudut yang mengarah ke tiang jauh, karena tangkapannya lengket.

Namun pada menit ke-22, gawang Indonesia jebol lewat sebuah serangan balik Thailand. Sarawut Masuk dengan cerdik memanfaatkan peluangnya ketika menyambut umpan terobosan Thitiphan Puangchan. Setelah mengontrol bola, Sarawut menchip bola untuk memperdaya Kurnia Meiga yang maju untuk menutup pergerakannya. 1-0 untuk Thailand.

Meskipun telah berusaha keras, Indonesia kesulitan menembus pertahanan Thailand, yang bermain sangat rapi dalam laga ini. Bahkan, mereka nyaris menempatkan semua pemainnya di depan kotak penalti ketika kehilangan bola, sehingga Bayu Gatra dan kawan-kawan tak mendapatkan celah untuk menembus kotak penalti.

Sebaliknya, Thailand langsung menebarkan ancaman ketika menguasai bola. Serangan balik Pokklaw dan kawan-kawan patut diwaspadai barisan belakang Indonesia yang digalang Alfin Tuasalamony, Mokhamad Syaifuddin, Manahati Lestusen dan Diego Michiels. Sampai turun minum, skor tetap 1-0 untuk Thailand.

Di awal babak kedua, Indonesia mencoba untuk mengambil kendali permainan. Tetapi lagi-lagi Garuda Muda sulit meruntuhkan tembok pertahanan Thailand, yang masih sangat kokoh untuk ditembus.

Menit ke-60, Indonesia mendapatkan peluang lewat tendangan bebas di depan kotak penalti, menyusul pelanggaran terhadap Fandi Eko Utomo. Tetapi eksekusi Andri Ibo, yang masuk menggantikan Manahati, tak sempurna karena bola tendangannya membentur pagar hidup Thailand.

Indonesia terus memberikan tekanan dan mendapatkan peluang terbaik diperoleh pada menit ke-75 ketika terjadi kemelut di mulut gawang Thailand. Sayang, Ramdani tak sempurna mengeksekusi bola liar. Sempat salah menendang bola sundulan dari pemain belakang Thailand, Ramdani kembali mendapatkan kesempatan lewat tendangan sambil membelakangi gawang. Tetapi si kulit bundar melebar tipis di sisi kiri gawang Kawin.

Di sisa pertandingan, Indonesia terus menggempur pertahanan Thailand, yang selama paruh kedua nyaris tak memberikan ancaman serius ke gawang Kurnia Meiga. Tetapi berbagai upaya tim besutan Rahmad Darmawan ini tak kunjung membuahkan hasil terbaik untuk menyamakan skor, sehingga Garuda Muda harus mengakui keunggulan Thailand dengan skor tipis 1-0.

Dengan demikian, Thailand berhak menyabet medali emas SEA Games ke-27 dan Indonesia kembali harus menelan kekecewaan karena hanya mampu meraih medali perak seperti dua tahun lalu di Palembang. Impian mengulangi kesuksesan 22 tahun silam ketika meraih medali emas harus tertunda.

Susunan pemain

Indonesia: 1-Kurnia Meiga; 26-Alfin Tuasalamony, 29-Mokhamad Syaifuddin, 13-Manahati Lestusen (Andri Ibo 57), 24-Diego Michiels; 11-Dedi Kusnandar, 4-Rizky Pellu (Dendi Santoso 81); 23-Bayu Gatra Sanggiawan, 7-Rizki Ramdani Lestaluhu; 22-Fandi Eko Utomo, 9-Yandi Sofyan Munawar (Ferinando Pahabol 69')
Pelatih: Rahmad Darmawan

Thailand: 26-Kawin Thammasatchanan; 15-Pravinwat Boonyong, 4-Sakolwat Skollah, 3-Theeraton Bunmathan; 24-Krirkrit Thaweekarn, 12-Charyl Champpuis, 10-Pokklaw Anan, 30-Sarawut Masuk (Kesarat 87'), 7-Thitiphan Puangchan; 9-Adisak Kraisorn
Pelatih: Kiatisuk Senamuang
tribunnews.com

Men’s Poomsae Team Nails SEA Games Gold as Taekwondo Kicks Off

PHILIPPINES UPDATED. The Philippines men’s poomsae team started Philippines campaign in taewkondo on a high note, after winning the team event gold medal in the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium A, Naypyitwa, Myanmar.

The trio of Dustin Jacob Mella, Raphael Enrico Mella and Marvin Gabriel Vidal, topped the scoreboard with 7.920 points, way ahead the silver medalist, team Indonesia who managed to score only 7.590. Team Thailand settled for bronze with 7.550 points.

Read more : pinoyheadline.com

Poised to grab another gold for the country, Marvin Gabriel Vidal was shocked by the Burmese newbie Thaw Zin Han who stole the gold from the Filipino by scoring 8.035 in the men’s poomsae singles.

Vidal settled for the siler with 8.035, while Vietnamese’ Anh Minh Le won the bronze with 7.910 points.

The world class women’s poomsae team on the other hand composed of Ma Carla Janice Lagman, Rani Ortega and Rinna Babanto were shockingly relegated to third place, settling for the bronze, with the Vietnamese trio of Thi Le Kim Nguyen, Thi Thu Ngan Nguyen and Tuhet Van Chau winning the gold with 7.950 points.

The women’s trio only managed to score 7.665 points, behind Thailand who won the silver with 7.785 points.

Team Indonesia who scored 7.670 shared the gold with the Philippines who scored only 7.665 (the lowest in the group).

In the men’s 68-74 kg, Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison settled for silver after bowing down to Thailand’s Peerathep Silaon, 7-8.

Morrison was leading 4-1 in the first round, but the Thai fought harder in the next round to finish round two with 6-4 score.

Determined to win another gold for Taekwondo in the opening day, Morrision was all pumped up in the third round, but only managed two score 3 points while Silaon score another 4 points to beat the Filipino.

On day two of action in the Taekwondo, Gershon Bautista is seeing action in men’s 63kg-68kg, Christianal dela Cruz in Men’s 74-80 kg, and Jade Zafra (PHI) in Women’s 53-57 kg.

Bagsit Powers To Second Victory

PHILIPPINES UPDATED. Archand Christian Bagsit pulled off a phenomenal run in final leg of the men’s 4×400-meter relay to become the second Filipino double-gold medalist at the 27th Southeast Asian Games here. 

On a day when golds on the track proved elusive, the quartet of Isidro del Prado Jr., Julius Nierras, Edgardo Alejan and Bagsit put on a swashbuckling performance that capped a productive stint for Philippine athletics.

The PH quartet clocked 3 minutes 09.32 seconds to beat Thailand (3:09.81) and Malaysia (3:15.06) and improve on its silver-medal finish in 2011 Indonesia.

Only Del Prado, who replaced Junrey Bano, was not a member of that foursome.

“All the hard work paid off,” said the 22-year-old Bagsit, who also ruled the men’s 400m. “I never thought we could win it.”

Trailing by a several meters after receiving the baton from Nierras, Bagsit, a financial management major at Letran, chased the last Thai runner and surged ahead in the last 50m.

“When I reached the final straight, I knew that the gold’s ours,” said the protege of two-time Olympian Lerma Bulauitan-Gabito.

After five days of action at Wunna Theikdi Stadium here, the Filipinos have seized six gold, four silver and three bronze medals, a vast improvement on their 2-9-5 collection two years ago.

Apart from Bagsit’s twin victories, long-jumper Henry Dagmil, Eric Shauwn Cray (400m hurdles), decathlete Jesson Cid and Christopher Ulboc Jr. (3000m steeplechase) also contributed to the most productive stint by a PH national sports association here.

Princess Superal was the country’s first double gold medalist here after ruling invididual play while powering the country’s team to victory in women’s golf.

Cray earlier placed sixth in the men’s 110m hurdles. The Filipino-American from University of Oklahoma clocked 14.34 seconds in the race won by Thailand’s Jamras Rittidet (13.72).

“It’s not my event,” said Cray. “I fared bad.”

In the men’s 1,500m, Melvin Guarte placed fourth with a time of 3:58.43 and Ulboc landed seventh out of eight runners (4:05.76). Vietnam’s Van Thai Dong ruled the event in 3:58.02.

Fil-Am Jessica Barnard finished last out of four runners in the women’s 1500m (4:22.64) won by Vietnam’s Thi Thao Do in 4:22.64.

Benigno Marayag placed fifth (15.59 meters) in men’s triple jump won by another Viet, Van Hung Nguyen (16.67).

Inquirer.net

Performa K Meiga Menembus Final

INDONESIA UPDATED. Penampilan cemerlang, penjaga gawang Kurnia Meiga (K Meiga), dalam drama adu penalti mengantarkan Timnas Indonesia U-23 melaju ke pertandingan final cabang olahraga sepak bola SEA Games XXVII.

Timnas Indonesia U-23 mengalahkan Malaysia U-23 1-1 (4-3) dalam pertandingan semifinal di Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Naypyitaw, Kamis (19/12/2013).

Skuat Garuda Muda mencetak gol pembuka melalui Bayu Gatra pada menit ke-30. Harimau Muda Malaya kemudian menyamakan kedudukan, setelah Thamil Arasu Ambumamee mencetak gol pada menit ke-85. Pertandingan dilanjutkan ke babak perpanjang waktu. Sayang, belum ada gol tercipta dalam pertandingan 2X15 menit.

Pertandingan dilanjutkan ke tendangan adu penalti. Penjaga gawang Indonesia U-23, Kurnia Meiga tampil gemilang. Dia mengagalkan dua tendangan penalti pemain Malaysia, yaitu Thamil Arasu Ambumamee dan Shahrul Mohd Saad.

Sementara, tiga penendang Malaysia lainnya, yaitu Muhamad Nazmi Faiz bin Mansor, Mohamad Fadhli Mohd Shas, dan Mohd Rozaimi bin Abdul Rahman mampu mengeksekusi bola dengan baik.

Sedangkan Indonesia, 2 eksekutor pertama, yaitu Alfin Ismail Tuasalamony dan Diego Michiels berhasil mencetak gol ke gawang Mohd Izham Tarmizi Roslan. Indonesia memang sempat gagal saat  tendangan Manahati Lestusen bola masih  melambung di atas gawang.

Namun, Yandi Sofyan selaku penendang keempat menyelesaikan tugas dengan baik. Penendang terakhir, Ferinando Pahabol mampu dengan tenang menceploskan bola ke gawang Malaysia. Indonesia pun melaju ke partai final.

Timnas Indonesia U-23 menunggu pemenang di pertandingan semifinal lainnya antara Thailand menghadapi Singapura di Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Naypyitaw, Kamis (19/12/2013). Pertandingan final dilangsungkan di Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Naypyitaw, Sabtu (21/12/2013).

Susunan Pemain:
Indonesia: Kurnia Meiga, Manahati Lestusen, Syaifuddin, Diego Michiels, Alfin Tuasalamony, Egi Melgiansyah (Nelson Alom 46), Rizky Pellu (Andik Vermansah 77/Feri Pahabol 102), Ramdani Lestaluhu, Bayu Gatra, Fandi Eko Utomo, Yandi Sofyan
Pelatih: Rahmad Darmawan

Malaysia: Izham Tarmizi, Zubir Azmi, Fadhli Shas, Shahrul Saad, Azrif Nasrulhaq, Nasir Basharuddin (Nazmi Faiz bin Mansor 46), Nazirul Naim Che Hashim (Rozaimi bin Abdul Rahman 46), D Saarvindran, Irfan Fazail, Hazwan Bakri, Thamil Arasu Ambumamee
Pelatih: Datuk Ong Kim Swee

Indonesian Swimmer Breaks SEA Games Record

INDONESIA UPDATED. Indonesian swimmer, Triady Fauzy Sidiq, has broken SEA Games record for men's 100-meter free style at the Wunna Theikdi Stadium, Myanmar.

"I was surprised to be able to break the record," said Triady after receiving his medal yesterday. Triady recorded 49.99 seconds, pushing aside the previous fastest time of 50.16 recorded by Malaysian Daniel Bego in Sea Games 2009. 

 
Swimmer from Vietnam, Quy Phuoy Hoang who recorded 50.52 seconds sat in the second place before Singaporean Kai Quan Donny who finished at the third position in 50.83 seconds.

"I deserve it after the training I have been through," said Triady. "I am very happy and I dedicate this gold for Indonesia."

Up until last night, Indonesian swimming team had contributed two gold medals, three silver, and three bronze medals.
tempo.co

Indonesian U-23 Likely to Pass SEA Games Semi Final Round

INDONESIA UPDATED. The Indonesia Team U-23 still has the odds to likely pass to the semifinal round of SEA Games 2013. The young Garuda needs only to win in a match against Myanmar today, without having to worry about Goal Difference (GD) aggregate system.

ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) official website wrote on Sunday that SEA Games regulation employs head-to-head result in reference to Asian Football Confederation (AFC), rather than the GD aggregate system. 

Therefore, shall there be two teams owning same points, any team winning the match against the other will have the privilege to pass.

The recent confirmation gives a slight of benefit to the young Garuda, as Indonesia owns minus two GD, while Myanmar sits comfortably with five GD. Nevertheless, Indonesia will still have to win the match against host nation, yet without worrying to score a bunch of goals.
tempo.co

Erico dan Alex Tatontos Terhenti di Semifinal Boxing SEA Games

INDONESIA UPDATED. Dua petinju putra Indonesia, Erico Amanopunyo dan AlexTatontos, kandas di babak semifinal SEA Games ke-27 di Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Jumat, 13 Desember 2013. 

Erico yang bermain di kelas welter ringan (64 kilogram) kalah angka melawan petinju Filipina, Dennis Galvan.

Adapun Alex Tatontos di kelas menengah (75 kilogram) ditaklukkan petinju Filipina yang lain, Willy Lopez, juga dengan angka. Alex, peraih medali emas pada SEA Games 2011, semula ditargetkan mempertahankan prestasinya dua tahun lalu.

Petinju Indonesia yang juga ditargetkan meraih medali emas, Julio Bria, sudah lebih dulu tersingkir di babak awal. Julio meraih medali emas pada SEA Games  2011. Dengan demikian, dua target medali emas dari Julio dan Alex gagal diwujudkan.

Adapun Erico tampil di tim utama secara kontroversial karena ia menyisihkan Vinky Montolalu yang telah mengalahkannya tiga kali, yakni di PON, Sarung Tinju Emas, dan Piala Wakil Presiden. Vinky yang juga dikirim oleh Pengurus Pusat Persatuan Tinju Amatir Indonesia (PP Pertina) ke Myanmar disisihkan melalui voting yang melibatkan pelatih dan petinju.

Vinky yang terpukul dan kecewa karena merasa dipermalukan dengan keputusan itu, Rabu malam lalu kembali ke Jakarta dengan biaya sendiri. Hal itu juga dipertanyakan oleh Sasana Amphibi yang menaungi Vinky. Pembina Sasana Amphibi yang juga Wakil Ketua Pengprov Pertina DKI Jakarta,  Richard Engkeng akan meminta pertanggungjawaban PP Pertina seusai SEA Games nanti.
tempo.co

Hendro Raih Emas di Jalan Cepat

INDONESIA UPDATED. Atlet jalan cepat Indonesia, Hendro, berhasil meraih medali emas di nomor jalan cepat 20 kilometer SEA Games 2013 yang berlangsung di Kompleks Olahraga Wunna Theikdi, Nay Pyi Daw, Myanmar, 15 Desember 2013.

Dari hasil yang terpampang di laman resmi SEA Games 2013, Hendro mencatatkan waktu selama 1 jam 29 menit 41 detik. Dia mengalahkan catatan waktu atlet Vietnam, Xuan Vinh Vo, yang menempuh 20 kilometer dengan catatan waktu 1 jam 33 menit 30 detik. Adapun atlet Malaysia, Myo Min Thiha, menempati posisi ketiga dengan catatan waktu 1 jam 36 menit 18 detik.

Waktu yang dicatatkan Hendro jauh lebih baik daripada SEA Games sebelumnya. Pada SEA Games 2011 lalu, Hendro memperoleh medali perak dengan catatan waktu 1 jam 33 menit 34 detik. Catatan waktu yang ia torehkan kini bahkan melebihi peraih emas SEA Games 2011 itu, yaitu Lo Choon Sieng asal Malaysia yang menorehkan catatan waktu 1 jam 32 menit 34 detik.
 
Namun, Hendro belum mampu melampaui catatan waktu terbaiknya, yang juga adalah rekor nasional, yaitu 1 jam 29 menit 35 detik. Rekor ini ia capai pada Pekan Olahraga Nasional 2012 September tahun lalu.
 
Hingga 15 Desember 2013 siang, Indonesia berada pada posisi keempat dalam tabel perolehan medali. Kontingen Merah Putih meraih 32 medali emas, 44 perak, dan 40 perunggu. Thailand berada pada puncak tabel dengan 36 emas, 32 perak, dan 38 perunggu, diikuti tuan rumah Myanmar dengan 34 emas, 31 perak, dan 31 perunggu. Vietnam berada di atas Indonesia dengan 34 emas, 28 perak, dan 35 perunggu.
tempo.co