Malaysian artistic gymnastics women’s team end S'pore's dominance
Singapore's winning streak in women's team event ends
Farah Ann Abdul Hadi was a star yesterday, playing a leading role as the Malaysian artistic gymnastics women's team wrenched gold away from hosts Singapore in an exciting battle at the Bishan Sports Hall.
The 21-year-old was outstanding, especially in the floor exercise and uneven bars, and she was over the moon after ending Singapore's stranglehold on the event.
"It's a dream come true (winning the gold). For me, family support is everything so I'm happy my family is here. I also have the best teammates with me, so I'm very happy," said Farah Ann, who was teary-eyed at the end.
Malaysian coach Nataliya Sinkova was delighted with the team's overall performance.
"Our target was to do our best. We did," she said.
"We beat our personal record. And Farah has an amazing high mark, her personal best."
Malaysia were crowned champions with a combined score of 206.200 points.
The Singapore girls, who were trying to continue their winning streak in the event - they won the event when gymnastics featured at the Games in 2005, 2007 and 2011 - took the silver medal with 202.500 points, and Philippines earned the bronze with 191.400 points.
The Singapore girls were visibly disappointed, although there was a bit of pressure on them to win the gold, and emulate their seniors.
But 16-year-old Janessa Dai said: "We're certainly very proud of what we have achieved... we have all done our best. Especially since a lot of us came back from injuries, we've come so far."
Lee Hong Chuang, vice-president of the Singapore Gymnastics Association, said: "This team are far better than any other team we've had in Singapore. This is the youngest team, so getting a score of 202.500 is remarkable.
"Overall, their standard has risen. So it's considered very good for their first time."
"They have to continue to perform well and the subsequent results will tell everything.
The women will do battle in the individual all-around event today with Dai, Malaysia's Farah and Vietnam's 2012 Olympic veteran Phan Thi Ha Thanh all in the mix.
The individual all-around competition will combine scores from the four apparatuses to determine the champion.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
