SEA GAMES: Girls Keep Medals Ticking

FARAH Ann Hadi and Nur Eli Ellina Azmi saved Malaysia the blushes in artistic gymnastics when they secured a silver medal each in the women's individual apparatus finals at Jakabaring Sports Complex yesterday.

An injury sustained on Monday hampered Farah's performance but she was able to score 12.375 points in the uneven bars to finish second to Vietnam's Do Thi Ngan Thuong who scored 12.900m.

Indonesia's Nefy Nurbaety was third (12.175).

Eli, 16, also surprised with a silver in the balance beam scoring 12.075 where again Ngan Thuong denied Malaysia the gold with a score of 12.300.

The bronze went to Vietnam's Thi Ha Thanh (12.050).

Farah also competed in the floor exercise but finished fourth.

"I came here with high hopes so I am disappointed to have not won a gold. I have some consolation as I have at least silver," said Farah.

"I would have done better if not for the injury. Floor exercise is my favourite event but I couldn't do well but I aim to do better in the next Games."

Eli was also happy to win a medal in her Sea Games debut.

"My target was actually to win gold and I came close in the balance beam which is my favourite event," said Eli.

"It was a very good experience competing here."

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SEA GAMES: Injury Denies Farah Medal

A recurrence of an old injury cost Farah Ann Hadi a medal in the women's individual all-around final in artistic gymnastics yesterday.

Farah suffered the injury to her thigh while executing her second routine, the uneven bars, but completed the balance beam and floor exercise to score 47.534 to finish fifth.

The score was a far cry from the 50.084 she scored in the team competition on Sunday but Farah took disappointment in her stride and vowed to at least win a medal in her favourite event, the floor exercise, in the individual apparatus finals today.

Nur Eli Ellina Azmi finished sixth on 46.084.

"I had suffered the injury in Kuala Lumpur but it was healing and I was confident after my good performance in the team event. It was really disappointing that I was unable to win a medal," said Farah.

"I felt good in my first routine in the vault but suffered the injury in the uneven bars and fell during the balance beam routine. That was my mistake and it cost me points. I was in pain but managed to complete the floor exercise," she added.

"I have qualified for the beam, uneven bars and floor tomorrow (today) and I will compete in all three despite the pain. I want to win a medal and come back stronger for the next Games."

Read more: SEA GAMES: Injury denies Farah medal - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/sea-games-injury-denies-farah-medal-1.6107#ixzz1djvxKwcL

Sea Games: Wan Nin Blow For Malaysia

MALAYSIA'S hopes of landing the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-round gold medal evaporated when Lee Wan Nin was ruled out of the Sea Games after hurting her knee in a freak training incident.

   Wan Nin's absence means Malaysia will not have a representative in rhythmic gymnastics in Palembang with no chance of naming a replacement this close to the start of the Games tomorrow.

 National Sports Council director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong confirmed Wan Nin's injury when met after a dinner reception for the football team on Tuesday.

  "We received a report saying Wan Nin suffered an injury during training in Kuala Lumpur. Apparently, she has dislocated a knee joint," Zolkples told reporters.

   "This is a big loss to the national contingent as we were counting on Wan Nin to deliver a gold medal. It's very unfortunate and that's why I have stressed to athletes to take care of their health before a major event.

   "I hope Wan Nin recovers in time for the Olympic qualification next year."

   Zolkples, however, stressed that the loss of Wan Nin would not affect the official target of 40-45 gold medals.

  "No, it does not change anything. We should still reach the target," he added.

Read more: Sea Games: Wan Nin blow for Malaysia - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/sea-games-wan-nin-blow-for-malaysia-1.3172#ixzz1dviUOqy4