Gin Yu scooped up gold in 400m IM

Tan Gin Yu, IBSC bred swimmer, scooped up a gold in his favourite 400m IM event in SUKMA Perlis on day 1 when he raced to the finishing line with a time of 4:39.70 ahead of Alex Tiong (Swk) who did 4:40.63.

Gin Yu happy to win gold in 400m IM

On the second day, Gin Yu also managed a bronze medal in the 200m butterfly event with a time of 2:08.21 after his compatriot team member, Wong Jun Bin, swam a faster time to claim victory at 2:05.97.

Representing the contingent of Federal Territory, both Gin Yu and Jun Bin is now based in Singapore.

Gin Yu's medals display

In SUKMA 2012, Gin Yu swam to 1 silver and 2 bronze.

Gin Yu raced to the touch board with gold in mind

Thumbs-up for a great swim

The SUKMA 2014 live results can be viewed from Meet Mobile.

SUKMA 2014 Swimming Results - Day 3, 31 May 2014

source : http://sukmaperlis2014.com.my/

SUKMA 2014 Swimming Results - Day 2, 30 May 2014

source : http://sukmaperlis2014.com.my/

Christina first to break SUKMA 2014 record in 100m breaststroke

Christina Loh was the first swimmer to break the SUKMA 2014 record on the opening day of the swimming championship in Kangar, Perlis when she bettered her own record of 1:12.41 made in Sukma 2012, Kuantan with a renewed time of 1:12.23 in the 100m breaststroke event.

The silver was won by Phee Jinq En (Sel) 1:13.03 and the bronze by Gan Xin Jie (Png) 1:15.36.

Christina delighted with her 2 individual gold in her pet events.

On the second day, Christina wrapped up her individual events in 50m breaststroke as she swam to gold in 33.55s ahead of Selangor's Phee Jinq En (33.68s) and Koh Jia Yi (34.11s).

Together with the Wilayah's relay team, Christina also won silver in the 4x100m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay.

The 4x100m medley relay girls, L-R : Tan Rou Ying, Christina Loh, Ong Min Fen and Mak Ai Sin, winning silver

As a national athlete, Christina is limited to compete in 2 individual and 2 relay events only.

Christina's medals collection

Christina being introduced in her 50m breaststroke swim where she claimed gold

Christina swimming neck to neck with Phee Jinq En in 50m breaststroke event

Jun Bin swam 200m butterfly with flying colours in SUKMA Perlis

It was a heart-pounding moment to watch the 200m butterfly swim on day 1 of SUKMA Swimming when the final event started with Vernon Lee (Swk) leading the swim from the start to the third lap, until our IBSC swimmer, Wong Jun Bin, turbo-charged his swim to take-over Vernon at the last moment. Jun Bin representing Wilayah Persekutuan over-took Vernon and touched the wall first at 2:05.97 to claim his first SUKMA gold followed by Vernon at 2:06.87.

Won Jun Bin, 14, flying to his first SUKMA gold in 200m butterfly

During the 50th Malaysia Age Group Open Swimming Championship last month, Jun Bin broke the 13-14 age-group results in the same event with a slightly better time of 2:05.91.

Meanwhile, Tan Gin Yu, also an IBSC swimmer, swam to bronze with a time of 2:08.21.

Tan Gin Yu (left) and Wong Jun Bin feels simply ecstatic with their performances

Proud moments for Jun Bin, gold medallist and Gin Yu (bronze), whom are flanked by Coach He and Team Manager, Mr KY Wong

You may follow the live results via Meet Mobile.

The NST : Super Shaun

SELANGOR’S Shaun Yap lived up to his reputation as the fastest short distance breaststroker in the country when he successfully defended his 50m breastroke title at the Perlis Malaysia Games swimming competition yesterday.

Shaun broke his own Games record of 29.52s set in Pahang, when he powered to victory in a time of 29.43s at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre ahead of long-time rival Wong Fu Kang (29.48s) of Johor.

Perlis’ Adam Faris Tan finished third in 30.02s.

Shaun, 19, who also owns the national mark of 28.69s, said he was happy to get the win but stressed that he still had unfinished business to attend to.

“It feels great to defend my title but I guess I could have swam faster. I was hoping to get a new personal best here,” said the Help Academy student.

“I lost to Fu Kang yesterday (Thursday) in the 100m breaststroke so it is also good to beat him today (yesterday).”

Sarawak’s Vernon Lee, Ngu Jiung Wei, Alex Tiong and Welson Sim were also in record breaking form in the men’s 4x200m freestyle as they powered to victory in 7:47.31sto erase their own Games mark of 7:50.29s, set two years ago.

RESULTS — Men’s 50m backstroke: 1 Ian James Barr (FT) 27.05s, 2 Keith Lim (FT) 27.48s, 3 Wong Tzi Rok (Sel) 27.79s; 50m breaststroke: 1 Shaun Yap (Sel) 29.43s, 2 Wong Fu Kang (Joh) 29.48s, 3 Adam Faris Tan (Per) 30.02s; 200m freestyle: 1 Welson Sim (Sar) 1:52.72s, 2 Yeap Zheng Yang (Sel) 1:53.04s, 3 Wong Jun Bin (FT) 1:57.32s; 200m individual medley: 1 Ian James Barr (FT) 2:07.78s, 2 Wong Fu Kang (Joh) 2:12.12s, 3 Alwyn Tan (Pg) 2:12.27s; 4x200m freestyle relay: 1 Sarawak 7:47.31s, 2 Selangor 7:57.29s, 3 Penang 8:01.95s.
Women’s 50m backstroke: 1 Caroline Chan (Sel) 30.54s, 2 Chris Tan (Sab) 31.90s, 3 Tan Rou Ying (FT) 31.97s; 50m breaststroke: 1 Christina Loh (FT) 33.55s, 2 Phee En Jinq (Sel) 33.68s, 3 Koh Jia Yi (Sel) 34.11s; 200m freestyle: 1 Ong Ming Fen (FT) 2:05.93s, 2 Chris Tan (Sab) 2:08.06s, 3 Angela Chieng (Sar) 2:08.61s; 200m individual medley: 1 Erika Kong (Sar) 2:22.47s, 2 Ong Ming Fen (FT) 2:23.27s, 3 Nadia Adrianna Redza (Sel) 2:24.29s; 4x200m freestyle relay: 1 Sarawak 8:46.99s, 2 Sabah 8:48.60s, 3 Selangor 8:48.96s.


Read more: Super Shaun - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/super-shaun-1.608539#ixzz33HB4Qk00

The Star Online : Shaun breaks Sukma 50m breaststroke record twice

BY ASHREENA PILLAI

KANGAR: Selangor's Shaun Yap broke the men’s 50m breaststroke meet record twice in a day en route to the Malaysia Games (Sukma) gold medal at the State Aquatic Centre.

Not even the 45-minute rain delay could stop the 19-year-old from clocking 29.43 to better the previous mark of 29.81 which he had set in the heats on Friday morning. Johor’s Wong Fu Kang took silver in 29.48 while Perlis’ Adam Faris Tan bagged the host’s first medal in aquatics with a bronze in 30.02.

Selangor's Shaun Yap on his way to winning the gold and breaking the men’s 50m breaststroke Sukma record. – Faihan Ghani / THE STAR

“I’m quite happy with the time although I couldn’t improve on my personal best (28.69), which I set at the Malaysian Open last year. But I managed to defend my title with a new meet record ... so, it’s still a great achievement for me,” said Shaun with a smile.

“Fu Kang was definitely pushing hard out there and so was I because I wanted to touch first. We have a long history and it’s always good to go up against him.”

It’s turning out to be a case of friendly rivalry between Shaun and Fu Kang, who have been competing against each other since 2011.

At the Pahang Games two years ago, Fu Kang got the better of Shaun by winning both the 100m and 200m breaststroke events. Shaun took bronze that year.

In Friday’s heats, Fu Kang swam in Heat Two and set a new meet record of 29.81. Six minutes later, Shaun beat that mark in the third and final heat.

“There is a bit of friendly rivalry going on ... which is fun. He took the 100m (breaststroke) yesterday, so we’re even now. Maybe we’ll settle it on the best of three tomorrow,” added Shaun, who will swim in the 200m breaststroke on Saturday with Fu Kang.

Meanwhile, Sarawak smashed the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay meet record after clocking 7:47.31 – almost 10 seconds ahead of second-placed Selangor (7:57.29) and bronze-medallists Penang (8:01.95).

The Sarawak quartet of Vernon Lee Jeau Zhi, Ngu Jiung Wei, Alex Tiong Sie Hung, Welson Sim Wee Sheng smashed their previous mark of 7:50.29, which they set in Kuantan two years ago.

There was double joy for Sarawak when their women’s quartet of Erika Kong Chia Chia, Ill Tyng Tan, Nita Wong Zhi Yi and Angela Chieng Chui Fei bagged the gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay by clocking 8:46.99, ahead of Sabah (8:48.60) and Selangor (8:48.96).

Sukma 2014 Swimming Results -Day 1, 29 May 2014

source : http://sukmaperlis2014.com.my/

The Star : Ministry to probe, decide what to do next

BY ASHREENA PILLAI

KANGAR: Malaysians will never learn.

The torn and collapsed canvas roofing at the State Aquatic Centre on May 29, 2014. The roofing had to be removed, causing a delay in the Sukma events there. – Gary Chen / THE STAR


That’s the scathing remark uttered by Deputy Sports Minister Datuk M. Saravanan following the collapsed canvas roofing of the State Aquatic Centre on Thursday.

“The lesson we can learn from this, which, as Malaysians we probably never will is – be cautious when picking the contractor,” said Saravanan after inspecting the venue on Friday.

“We’ll have to discuss with the Public Works Department (JKR) on the issue to see what course of action should be taken next,” he continued.

The untoward incident which marred the opening day of the aquatics competition took place at 2.15pm on Thursday when heavy rain and strong winds caused the porus canvas roofing over the swimming pool to tear.

The rain which lasted roughly half an hour resulted in a big tear in the canvas and part of it dipping into the swimming pool.

The canvas roofing needed to be removed and as a result, the swimming finals, which were set to begin at 4.30pm on Thursday, were delayed by 30 minutes.

The main concern now is that heavy rain and thunderstorms will cause delays to the diving and swimming events.

Saravanan explained that the aquatics competition only started a day late and as it is due to end on Sunday, there is still time to complete the events before Sukma closes on June 4, even if there are a few delays because of the weather.

“I’ve spoken to the athletes and coaches from a few states. None of them have complained about the water causing them any irritation so there doesn’t seem to be an issue there.”

Meanwhile, the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail and Perlis Mentri Besar Azlan Man visited the venue separately on Friday.

“We’re investigating the cause now,” said Azlan.

“The roofing had met all the technical requirements which was confirmed by ASUM (Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia), the consultant engineer and JKR, and the certification was given,” said Azlan.

“We’re investigating if the material used was sub-standard or what could have caused the incident to happen. So let’s wait for the full report.”

The NST : Action to continue minus roof

THE Perlis Malaysia Games swimming competition will continue as scheduled over the next three days but will remain roofless until the end of the tournament at the very least.

The recently completed Aquatics Centre in Kangar threw a major spanner in the works yesterday when the swimming pool’s canvas roof came down at 2pm.

Roughly 10 minutes of heavy rain had seen a considerable amount of water accumulating on the roof, subsequently tearing it and bringing in down on the swimming pool. It continued to further tear after being blown by strong winds.

The men’s 10m platform synchronised diving event being held on the adjacent diving pool was stopped but resumed within 10 minutes of the incident. The diving section roof, which is separated from the swimming pool roof and is held by more braces, was not affected.

Contractors took down the roof and the swimming competition started as scheduled at 4.30pm.
Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia secretary Edwin Chong said competing without the roof was not out of the norm in the sport.

“The Cheras Pool (Kuala Lumpur Aquatics Complex) has no roof and has hosted the Sea Games while the diving competition at the Barcelona World Championships was also the same.

“Indoor or outdoors it does not matter. As long as the pool meets the required specifications, it is fine to go on with the event.”

National Sports Council director general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong was visibly disappointed with the incident but echoed Edwin’s sentiments.

He, however, added that it is up to the state government to decide whether it wants to take action against the contractor.

“I came here this morning (yesterday) and everything was fine. I was really happy about that but now this happens,” said Zolkples.

“The technical committee has given the clearance to compete without a roof and I believe all the events will go on as scheduled.”

The main contractor of the complex, Lima Corporation Sdn Bhd blamed a sub-contractor for supplying a faulty product. Operations director Hishamuddin Abdul Hamid said they had obtained a letter of guarantee from the contractor that the material and structure were safe to be used.

The complex had only been given clearance to host the event by the state Public Works Department (JKR) and ASUM yesterday morning.

The late completion of the complex had forced organisers to delay the swimming and diving events by a day. The aquatics competition was initially scheduled to start on Wednesday.

The Star : Christina bags 100m breaststroke gold, sets Sukma record

BY ASHREENA PILLAI

KANGAR: National swimmer Christina Loh is not too keen on the water conditions at the State Aquatic Centre in Kangar.

But the four-time Sukma entrant from the Federal Territories got the job done anyway.

The 19-year-old completed the women’s 100m breaststroke in a new Games record of 1:12.23 to clinch the gold.

Christina Loh won the gold medal in the Sukma 100m breaststroke in a new Games record time of 1:12.23, as well as the silver medal in the women’s 4x100m medley.

Selangor’s Phee Jing En took home the silver with a time of 1:13.03 and Penang’s Gan Xin Jie (1:15.36) took the bronze.

“There’s just been so much drama going on. They were going back and forth, saying the competition might be held in Kedah and then the roof came down. It definitely affected us swimmers with our preparations for the meet,” said Christina.

While Christina bettered her own Games record of 1:12.41 which she set in Pahang two years ago, her time on Thursday was still three seconds off the five-year national record of 1:09.82 held by Negri Sembilan’s Siow Yi Ting.

“I was gunning for a record. I wanted to do better than 1:12. But all things considered, we all just wanted to swim our best and get a good time,” added Christina, who will be gunning for another gold in the 50m breaststroke on Friday.

When asked about the condition of the pool, the 2013 SEA Games double gold medallist confessed it was not great.

“The quality of the water is quite poor. It’s quite murky, but I just swam. In the diving pool (where they do recovery), I can’t even see five metres ahead of me ... that’s how bad the visibility is,” she said.

“Now without the roof, the water is going to be so much warmer! It’s not something I’m used to because I train indoors in Bukit Jalil. In this pool, I just feel like I can’t move fast enough,” she added.

Christina also bagged a silver in the women’s 4x100m medley with Tan Rou Ying, Ong Ming Fen and Mak Ai Sin after clocking 4:29.81.

The gold was won by Selangor’s Caroline Chan Zi Xin, Jing En, Yap Siew Hui and Kok Cher Ling with the time of 4:23.24 while Sabah’s Chris Tan Li Ling, Baveliana Wong Siew Yee, Freda Pan Cheng Ru and Heng Kor Jin took home bronze (4:35.67).

The NST : Christina lights up lanes

By FADHLI ISHAK & FABIAN PETER | nstsport@nst.com.my


CLASSY: Sets new meet record en route to 100m breaststroke title

FEDERAL Territories Christina Loh was the only notable performer on a day of high drama at the Perlis Malaysia Games swimming competition yesterday.

Christina, competing in her fourth Malaysia Games, successfully defended her title in the women’s 100 metre breaststroke after clocking one minute 12.23 seconds at the Perlis Sports Complex Aquatics Centre.

Her time bettered the previous Games record of 1:12.41s that she herself had set en route to winning in Pahang two years ago.

Selangor’s Phee Jinq En finished second on 1:13.03s while Penang’s Gan Xin Jie (1:15.36s) clinched the bronze.

Christina said she was satisfied with her performance considering the circumstances leading up to the first day of competition.

“There was just so much drama here from not knowing where we were to swim to not having a place to practice properly and today (yesterday) with the roof coming down,” said the 19-year-old multiple Sea Games gold medallist.

“The water was a bit warm since this is an outdoor event and it is not really my favourite. It is also quite murky and I could not see more than five metres.

“It was not really my goal to set a really fast time here as we (national team swimmers) did not taper for this event.

“I would have liked to have gone faster but getting the Games record is not bad considering the conditions.”

She later teamed up with Tan Rou Ying, Ong Ming Fen and Mak Ai Sin to help FT take silver in the women’s 4x100m medley in a time of 4:29.81s.

Selangor’s Caroline Chan, Yap Siew Hui, Phee En Jinq and Kok Cher Ling won in 4:23.24s while Sabah (Chris Tan, Baveliana Wong, Freda Pan, Heng Kor Jin) clinched bronze on 4:35.67s.

Christina, who is limited to two individual events as she is a Sea Games medallist, will swim in the 50m breaststroke today.

Christina Loh defended her title in the women’s 100 metre breaststroke yesterday

The Star : Last push to get Aquatic Centre ready

BY ASHREENA PILLAI

KANGAR: As of 6pm Wednesday, the State Aquatic Centre in Perlis looked to finally be shaping up – at least aesthetically.

With the aquatics competition of the 17th Malaysia Games (Sukma) scheduled to begin at 8.30am on Thursday, the last push was made on Wednesday to get the venue cleaned up and competition-ready.

However, just Wednesday morning, 24 hours before competition, it looked like a lost cause. There was still further construction work being done as the length of the 3m platform had to be reduced by 1m using cement breakers after it was found to overlap the 10m platform and not to FINA (International Swimming Federation) specifications.

Main contractors Lima Corporation’s operations director Hishamuddin Abdul Hamid said that they had brought in six cement breakers and started work on the platform at 2pm on Tuesday with work going on through Wednesday.

Divers fishing out debris from the State Aquatic Centre in Perlis, a day before the Sukma events were due to start.

Nine divers from the state fire department were also called in to help find and remove debris from the diving pool. Among the items fished out were a pair of sunglasses, a wallet and two international passports.

The Johor swim team managed to squeeze in a training session at the centre at 5.30pm for an hour. However, head coach Jefferey Tan was still not 100% satisfied with the venue.

“My biggest worry is the structure. I hope everything goes smoothly and nothing untoward happens. I hope that it holds up in years to come, because it was such a rush job,” said Jefferey on Wednesday.

“There is also the problem of moths ... I don’t know how that’s going to be at night. So far, the only complaints I have received from my swimmers is that the water is murky. Hopefully, it clears up by tomorrow.

“But I still think some things are not up to par. We only have four shower rooms, and the doping room is too small. So, I don’t know how smoothly things will run, but we’ll see,” he added.