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Choo clinches top prize as Fastest Overall Female, Teo Ewin is the fastest Singaporean Male at IRONMAN LANGKAWI 70.3 Singaporean Choo Ling Er is the Fastest Overall Female of 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi. PHOTO: IRONMAN® 5 November 2022, Langkawi - Singapore’s Choo Ling Er made the Republic proud by finishing the IRONMAN LANGKAWI 70.3 as the top overall female finisher with a time of 4:47:29 seconds on Saturday. Amazingly, the 35-year-old who has completed 40 IRONMAN 70.3 and IRONMAN races since 2009, reigned supreme over the rest of the competitors only five months after giving birth. “I’m happy with my overall timing. I’m only 80 percent back after my pregnancy. I dedicate this victory to my daughter and husband.” “They were at the finish line waiting for me. Whatever happens to me, how painful it is, I tell myself, I made it to the finish line and I now get to spend half the day with them,” she said. Teo Ewin, Fastest Singapore Male of 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi. PHOTO: IRONMAN® Teo Ewin meanwhile came in as the fastest Singaporean male athlete for the IRONMAN LANGKAWI 70.3 after clocking 4:48:43 seconds. Tan Teck Loon finished as the fastest Singaporean at IRONMAN Malaysia with a time of 11:47:33 seconds. “I see the competitors in the older age group and they are all doing better than me, so it motivates me to do my best. I hope to keep improving,” said Teck Loon. Overall, IRONMAN Malaysia & IRONMAN 70.3 LANGKAWI turned out to be a mega success as over 1,500 participants converged from all over the world to make this iconic multisport event one to remember. Both events saw close to 100 athletes from Singapore. IRONMAN Malaysia & IRONMAN 70.3 LANGKAWI were making a comeback after a two-year hiatus, but it turns out the demand for IRONMAN has never waned as it also becomes one of the first few international sporting events to return to Langkawi Island post-pandemic. Participants in the first leg of swimming at 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi. PHOTO: IRONMAN® The diversity of participation told the story of IRONMAN’s allure, as the triathletes turned out from 50 countries. Malaysia boasted the highest number of participation with 630 athletes, followed by Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom, Philippines, Thailand and India. The IRONMAN Malaysia flagged off early November 5 morning, and despite the rain which showered the historical island, it did not dampen the spirit of the competitors who turned it into a highly competitive affair. Indonesia’s Andy Wibowo was crowned the IRONMAN Malaysia overall male champion after crossing the finish line in 9:37:58 seconds, while Canada’s April Rice finished as the fastest overall female with a time of 10:19:18 seconds. IRONMAN Asia Managing Director Jeff Edwards was elated to witness such a huge turnout for one of Asia’s most iconic event. “We were optimistic of witnessing a huge turnout for these two events, and we were not disappointed. In fact, both races turned out to be a huge success and this is a testament of the appeal of IRONMAN especially here in Langkawi. 2022 IRONMAN Malaysia_Fastest Singaporean Finisher Male, Tan Teck Loon . PHOTO: IRONMAN® “We are so glad to be able to bring this race to this beautiful island, and at the same time help boost the local economy too. It was such a great spectacle as not only the participants enjoyed themselves, their families and friends did too, along with the friendly locals who were anticipating this event for months,” he said. The IRONMAN was a massive boost for the local economy as the participants and their families arrived days earlier to occupy the hotels, which created a chain spending from the F&B to the transportation sector. The Langkawi Tourism Association had earlier said the return of IRONMAN Langkawi came at the perfect time, as life returned to normal post pandemic. The IRONMAN Malaysia offered up to 55 qualifying slots to the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, while there are 30 slots available for IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi participants to the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Lahti, Finland. This event is supported by its Premier & Technical partners in Asia including Active, Breitling 1884, Fulgaz, Qatar Airways, Roka, Santini, VinFast and Wahoo. #SportPlusSG #IRONMANLangkawi #Triathlon

Set to grow the festival in terms of sports, festivities and experiences, Desaru Coast will welcome athletes of all ages from over 50 countries come 12 - 14 May, 2023 PHOTO: HANNA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Desaru, Johor - 18 April 2023 - Following the success of its inaugural event last year, Desaru Coast is ready to welcome athletes, supporters and guests from all over the world to the 2023 Desaru Coast Multisport Festival presented by IRONMAN for the second time. Set to grow the festival in terms of sports, festivities and experiences, Desaru Coast will welcome athletes of all ages from over 50 countries come 12 - 14 May, 2023. In partnership with the world’s biggest mass participation sports operator, IRONMAN, the Desaru Coast Multisport Festival will be hosting the IRONKIDS Triathlon, Sprint Triathlon, 5150 Triathlon,and IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru Coast over the three days. PHOTO: HANNA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Additionally, in synergising with what Desaru Coast has to offer, the festival will see the introduction of its own version of ‘adrenalin golf’ to the festival sports calendar this year, held on the rolling greens of the Ocean Course at the award-winning The Els Club. For adrenaline junkies and adventurous spirits, this year’s Festival will also feature MILO x Wavvy Hub Surfskate Clinic. Daily lessons take place for all ages, young and old. Come and learn SURFSKATING in a safe and fun environment. Desaru Coast will also be welcoming athletes and guests to the heart of the festival at the Desaru Coast Festival Village, where everyone can go for both food and fun throughout the festival period. PHOTO: HANNA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG The signature Desaru Coast Hospitality Marquee boasts culinary treats and gastronomical delights prepared by Desaru Coast’s five-star resorts, while over 20 local food trucks around the Festival Village promise a feast for the tastebuds with authentic Johorean flavours all weekend long. Guests can also explore the pop-up nature centre at the Festival Village. Junglewalla Desaru Coast will be hosting a wide selection of activities for the entire family, including water lily planting, terrarium building, bird walk exploration, an eco trail rainforest walk, and more. PHOTO: HANNA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Beyond high octane action and adrenaline, participants and fans can look to enjoy some peace at the picnic zones, amidst the scenic azure waters and lush landscape in between races. “As we grow this international sporting carnival, we are excited to welcome athletes as well as their friends and families back to our coast for another year of the Desaru Coast Multisport Festival presented by IRONMAN. We have put every effort into enhancing the festival this year with new sporting activities to give everyone an even better and more enjoyable experience throughout the entire period,” said Roslina Arbak, Chief Executive Officer, Desaru Coast. PHOTO: HANNA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG “The most notable highlight is the introduction of our own ‘adrenalin golf’ as the opening event for the festival. Aside from making sure that our activities cater to all ages and interests and add to the merriment of the sports gala, we have also prioritised connectivity to ensure that guests are able to travel with ease.” To make commuting more convenient for athletes and guests, Desaru Coast has enhanced connectivity services with a special ferry service offering throughout the festival period, including dedicated promo between Tanah Merah in Singapore and Desaru Coast. To enjoy the special return ferry offer of SGD105 use the code ‘DCMS2023’ while booking the ferry tickets on www.batamfast.com. Those looking for more information on the 2023 Desaru Coast Multisport Festival can head over to desarucoast.com to check out the various activities prepared for the festival. #SportPlusSG #IRONMAN #DesaruCoast

China’s Cao Junyu scores maiden IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru Coast Overall Fastest Male Finisher, while Singapore’s Choo Ling Er makes it two in a row, defending her titles as the IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru Coast Overall Fastest Female Finisher Overall Fastest Male Cao Junyu crossing the finish line. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA Desaru, May 19, 2024 - The 2024 Desaru Coast Multisport Festival (DCMF) , now in its third running, reached new heights by successfully staging the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia TriClub Championship over the weekend. The three-day Multisport Festival welcomed back four staple events: IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru Coast , 5150 Triathlon Desaru Coast, Desaru Coast Sprint Triathlon, and IRONKIDS Desaru Coast. Together, these events attracted an impressive total of more than 1,250 participants from 49 countries. The IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru Coast, serving as the marquee event annually, gained even greater prestige with IRONMAN designating it as the 2024 Asia TriClub Championship, part of the Global TriClub Championship Series in 2024. IM 70.3 Overall Fastest Female Choo Ling Er crosses the finish line at Desaru Coast. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA The TriClub Awards combines the efforts of the top 5 athletes, regardless of gender, within the Club’s participating athletes for the lowest total time at the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru Coast. There is a total of USD $3,000 cash prizes up for grabs between Malaysian as well as International TriClubs. RC Coaching was named the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia TriClub Desaru Coast Malaysian champions with the fastest accumulated time overall. Whereas Team7 Endurance from China had the honour of being crowned the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia TriClub Championship after emerging victorious among more than 75 clubs in a thrilling race. The Global TriClub Championship Series represents the pinnacle of the IRONMAN TriClub Program each year. Clubs worldwide registered with IRONMAN compete for the coveted title of TriClub Champion, with exclusive perks and the thrill of competing against fellow clubs. Fastest Malaysian Male at IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru Coast. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA Launched in 2012, the IRONMAN TriClub Program fosters community, growth, and friendly competition within the triathlon world, uniting enthusiasts through networking opportunities. In addition to bolstering their TriClub standings, participants at the IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru Coast were motivated to pursue personal triumphs, as the event once again served as a qualifier for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. With 45 Age Group Qualifying slots available, plus an extra 15 slots designated for women, athletes had the opportunity to secure berths at the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupō, New Zealand, on December 14-15. Fastest Malaysian Female crosses the finish line. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA The competition at the IRONMAN 70.3 Asia TriClub Championship Desaru Coast on Sunday proved to be incredibly engaging, with more than 800 participants toeing the start line at The Westin Desaru Coast Resort beachfront to tackle the first leg with a 1.9km swim. Athletes then tackled a challenging two-loop, undulating 90km bike course along the scenic coast of Desaru Coast. Transitioning to the run leg, participants completed a flat, three-loop 21.1km course encircling the perimeter of The Els Club Desaru Coast - Ocean Course. The thrilling journey concluded at the finish line located on the beachfront of The Westin Desaru Coast Resort. It was a day to cherish for Chinese triathlete Cao Junyu who emerged as the IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru Coast overall fastest male finisher, clocking 4:30:31. This marked the first time he achieved this feat. The 37-year-old had previously tasted success in the age-group category, but for him, nothing compares to this victory. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA "I'm very happy, it was a dream come true for me to top the overall standings for the first time," said Cao, who hails from Chongqing. "This achievement helped me surpass my previous best, a second overall in the Philippines last November. I've been training very hard ever since, so today's success reflects my perseverance. I fought very hard from behind to take the lead at the 6km mark of the running leg. I then pushed on and increased the pace to seal the win.” Singapore's Choo Ling Er was again in a class of her own as she claimed an emphatic victory as the IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru Coast overall fastest female finisher, marking the second straight year that she topped the chart. Crossing the finish line at 4:52:13, Choo described today's performance as her best yet, especially after recovering from a road mishap that affected her both physically and mentally. "I'm very happy to defend the title. I've been struggling with my health for the last six months. I had a cycling accident during Christmas, which took me five months to recover. Coming back was a very slow process. I lost a lot of skin and all that,” said Choo. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA "Mentally, cycling on the road is a struggle. You constantly worry that it might happen again, like a car might hit you from behind. I managed to get through it, and I'm happy with my progress. This is the best race I've ever done, feeling healthy, happy, physically, and emotionally. I'm very well, and I managed to execute what I needed to do and have a great day." IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru Coast’s fastest Malaysian female finisher, Serena Yang could not have asked for a better outcome as she marked a successful comeback after delivering her third child in September last year. Juggling motherhood has become tougher than ever, as she could only afford to train full-time for a month prior to today's race. "I'm really surprised with my performance today. I thought I would be much slower, but I did quite well. I was targeting 5:40, but I did 5:31. So I'm really pleased with today’s performance. It's really extra satisfying. Despite the lack of training, it was just a few minutes slower than what I clocked to be the fastest Malaysian finisher two years ago,” said Yang. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA Shahrom Abdullah, who came in as IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru Coast’s fastest Malaysian male, was elated to make a strong return after missing last year’s edition due to illness. "Last year, I was all set for the race and had even checked in my bike. But just before the race, I started feeling unwell. It definitely feels great to compete after last year's absence, and finishing as the best Malaysian makes it even better," he said. Participants in fringe events – the Sprint Triathlon and 5150 Triathlon -- gained valuable insights and experiences akin to those of an IRONMAN competition. These events catered to athletes seeking a taste of triathlons for the first time or aiming to enhance their performance before venturing into the longer IRONMAN 70.3 event. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA The Sprint Triathlon featured a 750m swim, 20km bike ride, and 5km run, while the 5150 Triathlon series presented a more challenging course of 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride, and 10km run. In the 5150 races, also known as the Olympic Distance, Chris Wheeler of Great Britain stamped his class by finishing first in the men's overall standings with a time of 2:32:43, while Portugal's Joana Moreira clinched the fastest female honour with a time of 2:44:26. In the men's Sprint Triathlon contest, Malaysia’s Yap Qi Yi's hopes of securing a second consecutive victory were dashed as he settled for second place behind Singapore's Cedric Chua Jian Hong. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA The 18-year-old Yap initially took the lead after the swim but was penalized for drafting too closely behind Chua during the bike leg, costing him a crucial minute. He finished with a time of 1:08:20, more than two minutes behind Chua's 1:06:02. Michaella Concetta Alexandra Widjaya of Australia emerged victorious in the female category with an impressive time of 1:21:56. With more than 100 participants, IRONKIDS proved to be a vibrant showcase of emerging talent. Under the vigilant supervision of marshals and security personnel, children displayed remarkable skill and enthusiasm as they swam, biked, and ran through the course. Their determination and athleticism were evident, reflecting a promising future generation of triathletes. IRONMAN Asia Regional Director CG Lim expressed, "For the past two years, the DCMF has attracted athletes from around the globe to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and unique experiences offered by Desaru Coast and Johor. The event was impeccably organized and garnered positive feedback from all participants." PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA "We were very excited to return to Desaru Coast in 2024 and had no qualms about designating the highly successful IRONMAN 70.3 Desaru Coast as the Asia TriClub Championship. Indeed, it added excitement to the event, where athletes competed not only for their individual accomplishments but also to help their TriClub outperform their rivals." Khairul Ariffin Ibrahim, Chief Executive Office, Desaru Coast said, "It was an absolute honour to host the 2024 Asia TriClub Championship, a key event in the Global TriClub Championship Series, at the Desaru Coast Multisport Festival this year. This opportunity fuels our longstanding commitment to raising the profile of Desaru Coast and the state of Johor within the international IRONMAN circuit, making sports tourism a collective pillar of success for all. "Beyond offering a scenic triathlon course, one of the major attractions of our Desaru Coast Multisport Festival is its inclusivity, catering to competitors of all levels across multiple races throughout the weekend, as families and fans turn it into a coastal holiday for everyone to enjoy. We were also thrilled to see athletes, their families, and spectators enjoy our festival village, which housed a vibrant mix of food, music, dance, and festivities," continued Khairul. #IRONMAN #DesaruCoastSportsFestival

Some of the top runners from across the region are ready to set the roads of Cyberjaya ablaze at ASICS’ Annual 10KM Road Race Subas Gurung will be a front runner for the men's elite race. PHOTO: HANIDA HUSSIEN, SPORTPLUS.SG The ASICS META: Time: Trials is back! After a successful Bangkok, Thailand debut in September 2022, participants and supporters can expect to witness another adrenaline pumping event this month. While the 10-kilometre road race is meant to challenge every participant to beat their personal best, the spotlight inevitably turns to the top runners representing their countries from across Southeast Asia who will be toeing the start line. Just who will come out tops in 2023? Here we turn the spotlight on 10 regional ASICS athletes (5 male, 5 female) you will want to keep a lookout for at this year’s ASICS META: Time: Trials Malaysia. Arthit Soda is a SEA Games Gold Medalist. PHOTO: ASICS ARTHIT SODA Thailand 28 years-old Personal Best 10-KM Time 32min 13sec At the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Subic, Philippines, Arthit Soda won the gold medal with team Thailand in the Duathlon mixed category. A seasoned athlete, Arthit clocked his personal best 10km time at the 2022 Buriram 10KM event, putting 32:13 on the clock. Despite the disappointment of a DNF for the inaugural edition of META : Time : Trials on home soil in Bangkok last year due to an injury, 2023 has been a great year for Arthit and the triathlete is expected to be part of the lead pack in what is anticipated to be an exciting race. Making the podium for multiple 10KM races this year, Arthit will be donning the METASPEED™ SKY+ and is targeting a sub 32-minute finish to break his personal best. Serena Teoh is a 2019 SEA Games athlete. PHOTO: ASICS SERENA TEOH Singapore 36 years-old Personal Best 10-KM Time 38min 52sec Representing Singapore in the marathon at the Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines in 2019 and finishing in fifth place overall, Serena Teoh’s athlete journey saw her begin as a biathlete before becoming a runner. More known as a marathon runner, Serena rarely competes over the 10KM distance, but that changed in 2023 with her taking on no fewer than three 10km races in the 2XU Compression Run, Sundown Marathon and the Gold Coast Marathon. Having missed out on the first edition of the ASICS META : Time : Trials in Bangkok, Serena is hoping to make her mark in Malaysia with a good time as part of the preparation for her next marathon and is excited to run with local and regional ASICS athletes, many of whom she doesn’t usually get a chance to run with because of different disciplines (i.e. duathlon and triathlon). Suffering several injury setbacks including a stress injury just before the 2019 SEA Games, Serena believes life’s challenges have made her a stronger athlete today and she is using the ASICS META: Time: Trials as a fitness gauge in her training, with her main goal and eye on the marathon distance. Sonny Wagdos will be looking to make his mark after his 2021 Hanoi SEA Games Bronze Medal. PHOTO: ASICS SONNY M WAGDOS Prosperidad Agusan Del Sur, Philippines 30 years-old Season’s Best 10-KM Time 31min 18sec A former University of Mindanao track star, Sonny M Wagdos began his amateur running career in Davao city. He possesses a vast collection of medals from local, regional, national, and international events but considers his 2021 Hanoi SEA Games bronze medal in the 5000m event his most prized as he had to overcome a knee injury in order to clinch the podium finish. Sonny has made a meteoric rise over the years in his performances across multiple events, and recently won the 10000m gold at the Taiwan Open this year, clocking 31min 18 sec to add to the silver he won in the 5000m event. He also took silver at the Southeast Asian Games this year with a time of 14:36.45, just 2 seconds shy of Thailand’s gold medalist Kieran Tuntivate. Sonny will be making his debut at the ASICS META : Time : Trials in Malaysia this month, and will be sporting his favourite ASICS METASPEED™ EDGE+ racing shoes, adding to an already feisty contest for the race for top spot as he looks to finish on the podium and go under 31-minutes while at it. Joida Gagnao is a multi-disciplined SEA Games athlete. PHOTO: ASICS JOIDA G. GAGNAO Old Poblacion Buenavista, Guimaras, Philippines 27 years-old Personal Best 10-KM Time 37min 22sec A multi-disciplined Southeast Asian Games athlete in the 3000m Steeplechase, 5000m and 10000m distances, Joida Gagnao is a SEA Games medalist who has represented the Philippines at the 2019, 2021 and 2023 SEA Games and is more accustomed to the track than road races. She will be making her ASICS META : Time : Trials debut in Malaysia this month and nonetheless has an eye on a podium finish and also breaking her own personal best record of 37min 22 sec achieved at Trilogy Championships. Sporting the METASPEED™ SKY+ as her chosen one for the race day, Joida is targeting a new personal best at the ASICS META : Time : Trials and will be gunning for the title. Robi Syianturi is widely dubbed as the successor to Agus Prayogo. PHOTO: ASICS ROBI SYIANTURI Indonesia 25 years-old Personal Best 10-KM Time 30min 43sec Indonesian distance runner Robi Syianturi is known for his undying spirit, and widely dubbed as the successor to Agus Prayogo. Despite being absent from racing for three years and facing numerous obstacles, Robi has made an incredible impact on his return this year, clinching gold in Indonesia's 2023 National Athletics Championships in Surakarta, Central Java in June this year. In doing so, he set a personal best in the men's 10,000 metres, paving the way for the Hangzhou Asian Games. Robi had also won the men's 5,000m the night before at the National Athletics Championships and continued his rich vein of form when he then went on to break his own personal bests for both 5,000m and 10,000m at the Asian Games. Robi is targeting a 30:35 finish and looking forward with great anticipation to the upcoming ASICS META : Time : Trials in Malaysia, and to compete with the best athletes from across the region. Amelia Binti Musa is looking to better her debut ASICS MTT Time. PHOTO: ASICS AMELIA BINTI MUSA Malaysia 37 years-old Personal Best 10-KM Time 38min 46sec She may be nicknamed “keciikk”, which means small in Bahasa Melayu, but there is nothing small when in comes to Amelia’s achievements on the road and on track. Apart from being a regular podium finisher in the local races, Amelia has also represented Malaysia in the marathon at the 2021 Hanoi Southeast Asian Games. This will be Amelia’s second appearance at the ASICS META : Time : Trials after winning bronze at the last edition in Bangkok. She crossed the finishing line with a time of 40:57, just behind Singapore’s Goh Chui Ling (39:15) and Thailand’s Woraphan Nuanlsri (40:43). Amelia is eyeing a podium finish on home soil at this year’s ASICS MTT and to clock a new personal best time in her ASICS METASPEED™ SKY+! Subas Gurung is one of the toughest athletes in Singapore. PHOTO: HANIDA HUSSIEN, SPORTPLUS.SG SUBAS GURUNG Nepal 26 years-old Personal Best 10-KM Time 31:55 Subas Gurung is widely considered as one of the toughest athletes in Singapore. He clocked a personal best time of 31min 55sec for the 10km road race category in his maiden ASICS META : Time : Trials in Bangkok last September, taking runners-up spot just behind Malaysia's Muhammad Ikbolasen (31min 31sec). He then bettered that record with a new time of 31 mins 18 seconds on the track in the Singapore Interclub Championships this year. Armed with his favourite ASICS METASPEED™ SKY+ racing shoes, Subas has not kept secret his desire to win this year's ASICS META: Time: Trials Male Elite Invitational category. He is eyeing a sub 31-minute finish which would give him a fresh PB, and shared: "I believe in my training. I am always working closely with my coach and I am fully focused on the ASICS META : Time : Trials as I look to defend my title as defending silver medalist.” Woraphan crosses the finish line at the 2022 ASICS META: Time: Trials. PHOTO: ASICS WORAPHAN NUANLSRI Thailand 32 years-old Personal Best 10-KM Time 38:00 Coming in less than half a minute behind winner Goh Chui Ling in the inaugural ASICS META : Time : Trials, former Thai national mid-distance runner Woraphan Nuanlsri will be looking to emulate her success in this year’s Malaysia edition of the META : Time : Trials. Woraphan is a SEA Games athlete, having represented Thailand at the 2019 edition of the Southeast Asian Games, placing 5th in the 5000m and 6th for the 1500m event. She will be looking to adopt a more conservative start and see how the race develops as she focuses on her own game, but is expecting a fast and exciting race in Malaysia. Malaysia's Ikbolasen is the men's defending champion from the first edition of the ASICS META: Time: Trials. PHOTO: ASICS MUHAMMAD IKBOLASEN Malaysia 21 years-old Personal Best 10-KM Time 31:31 He won last year’s ASICS META : Time : Trials in Bangkok in his maiden trip out of Malaysia. Despite his early successes on the track both at home and abroad, 21 year-old Muhammad Ikbolasen is not resting on his laurels and is looking to defend his title on home ground this year, beyond targeting a personal and season’s best timing. Otherwise known as “Ikbal”, Muhammad Ikbolasen has made his debut at the Southeast Asian Games, representing Malaysia in the 5000m and 10000m events. The Perak born athlete will be a definite front runner for the ASICS META: Time: Trials 2023 title and one to watch with his fiery ASICS METASPEED™ SKY+ shoes. Women's defending champion Goh Chui Ling is a multi SEA Games and Asian Games athlete. PHOTO: ASICS GOH CHUI LING Singapore 31 years-old Personal Best 10-KM Time 36:28 A multi National Record holder for Singapore in the 4x400m, 1500m, 2400m, 3000m, 5km road and 10km road distances, Goh Chui Ling is the defending champion of the Women's Elite category for the ASICS META : Time : Trials. She stormed to first place in Bangkok last year with a time of 39min 15sec, ahead of home favourite Woraphan Nuanlsri (40:43) and is looking to replicate her success this year in Malaysia. Her personal achievements include representing Singapore at the highest level - competing in no fewer than six Southeast Asian Games (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023) with 4 bronze medals and a silver medal, two Asian Games appearances in 2014 and 2023, as well as competing in three Asian Championships 2017, 2019 and 2023. Donning the ASICS METASPEED™ SKY+ , Chui Ling’s attention now turns from the track to the roads as she looks to defend her title at the ASICS META : Time : Trials. She targets to go under 39 minutes, with her current personal best time of 36min 28sec. #Running #10KM #ASICSMETATimeTrials

Fernando Toldi and Regan Hollioake clinch professional titles in epic showdowns as 1,800 athletes from 51 nations battle in ‘Jewel of Kedah’ spectacle PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA Langkawi, 12 October 2024 - Fernando Toldi and Regan Hollioake triumphed today in the gruelling IRONMAN Malaysia 2024, conquering the challenging course on the picturesque island of Langkawi, the 'Jewel of Kedah'. Toldi, 37, delivered an extraordinary performance in the professional men’s race, dominating the 3.8km swim, 180km bike, and 42.2km run in an impressive 8:10:23. Despite being his first visit to Malaysia, the Brazilian athlete demonstrated remarkable endurance in the island's demanding tropical conditions. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA This marked the second consecutive year professional athletes have returned to Malaysian shores, following last year's edition that ended a four-year hiatus. The race commenced with a two-loop swim off the white sandy beach of Pantai Kok, followed by a gruelling 180km bike leg. The multi-loop cycling course led competitors from Pantai Kok towards Jalan Teluk Yu, around Datai's rolling hills, and through colourful kampungs, showcasing Langkawi's diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA Toldi skilfully navigated the winding terrain past Langkawi Falls and along Pantai Kok's coastline before tackling the marathon-length run. The final leg brought athletes past Langkawi International Airport and along Cenang Beach's scenic oceanfront. After over eight hours of intense competition, Toldi crossed the finish line at Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa, epitomising the IRONMAN spirit with his victory. Tim Van Berkel of Australia secured second place with a time of 8:12:38, followed by Germany’s Andreas Dreitz in third at 8:18:07. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA Today's victory came just three months after Toldi secured his breakthrough win at IRONMAN 70.3 Ecuador in July. This success, however, is likely to be one he'll savour more given the intense level of competition. Toldi faced not only sweltering heat but also a highly competitive field. Toldi reflected on his achievement: "I earned my first win in IRONMAN 70.3 (Ecuador in July) and now I've done it in IRONMAN. I'm so stoked and I'm really happy. I trained so hard for this race, and I put all my energy for this day. I dreamt so much for this day." PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA He continued, emphasizing the mental and physical challenges: "This was a tough day. It was very mental. I had to push myself like I never did before and I'm so happy. This win is so important for me and for everybody. It was amazing race, one of the toughest I ever raced in my life." Highlighting the significance of this particular victory, Toldi added: "This is such a big race with tough contenders and a very big field. It was the most important race of my life and my biggest result, for sure." In the professional women’s race, Australia’s Hollioake proved equally impressive, finishing with a time of 9:13:07, a remarkable 17 minutes ahead of her closest competitor and compatriot Katie Remond (9:30:00). The third place went to Italy’s Federica De Nicola, who clocked 9:42:05. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA Like Toldi, Malaysia proved to be a fruitful hunting ground for rookie professional Hollioake, who clinched victory in her debut appearance here. This latest triumph further enhances the 35-year-old's already impressive season, following her win at IRONMAN Australia in May. Hollioake described the IRONMAN Malaysia as the "toughest race" she has ever competed in. Reflecting on her experience, she said: "It's my first time here. I wasn't quite sure how I would do with the heat, but it was as brutal as I expected." PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA “I've never been to Malaysia and it looked like such a beautiful place to come and visit, which it is. It was combining a bit of a holiday and a race as well. That was probably the toughest race I've ever done. I'm relieved for it to be over, but I'm absolutely thrilled to take the victory. This is my first year as a professional, it's been a really, really big surprise to do so well in my first year, but I'm thrilled to have another win." The event's global appeal was evident, with 1,800 athletes from 51 countries participating. Complementing the IRONMAN event, IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi featured a shorter distance of 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21.1km run. Toma Alexandru from Romania emerged victorious in the male's race, while Bianca Marcon claimed the top spot in the female competition, both showcasing exceptional speed and endurance. The event also served as a qualifier for upcoming major championships. 45 Age-Group qualifying slots were awarded for the 2025 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain, on November 8 and 9, 2025, with additional 20 slots reserved for women. A total of 105 Age-Group qualifying slots were allocated for the 2025 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship, with women competing in Kona, Hawaii, on October 11, 2025, and men in Nice, France, on September 14, 2025. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA The event featured several exciting side competitions, highlighting IRONMAN Malaysia's commitment to community engagement and inclusivity. The IRONKIDS Langkawi, which attracted over 300 participants, provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents across various age groups. The Aquathlon, which consisted of the 100m swim and 1.8km run, attracted young competitors age groups of 7-10 years and 11-15 respectively. The Community Run offered a 1.8km course for all participants, with children aged 0-6 years completing the distance with parents or guardians, while those aged 7-10 years and older children aged 11-17 ran the route independently. This approach highlighted the event's commitment to inclusivity and shared experience. Langkawi's growing community engagement has been integral to the event's success. This year, over 1,100 volunteers actively participated, demonstrating the strong commitment and enthusiasm of local residents. PHOTO: IRONMAN ASIA The island continues to excel as a premier sports tourism destination, with athletes' families and friends not only supporting participants but also enjoying Langkawi's attractions. Race week has become a special occasion for quality time, significantly boosting local footfall and revenue, benefiting businesses, accommodations, and services. Regional Director of IRONMAN Asia, CG Lim, commented: "The performances we witnessed today were truly exceptional. From our pro athletes setting blistering paces to our age-groupers pushing their personal limits, every participant embodied the IRONMAN spirit. "This event goes beyond racing; it unites people and leaves lasting community impacts. As a major driver of sports tourism, we've seen a remarkable influx of athletes and supporters boosting the local economy, showcasing Langkawi's potential as a world-class destination for endurance sports and tourism. Looking ahead, the growing interest from local and international athletes sets a strong foundation. We're committed to building on this momentum, making IRONMAN Malaysia an even more iconic event in the global calendar.” #IRONMANMalaysia #IRONMANLangkawi

Sprinting quartet go under the 40 second barrier, target to break National Record after winning Singapore's first SEA Games relay medal in seven years The new generation of Singapore Athletics men's 4x100m relay team comprising Marc Brian Louis, Joshua Chua, Ian Koe and Mark Lee. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG Hanoi, Vietnam, 17 May 2022 - Clocking a time of 39.44 seconds, a youthful Singapore athletics men's 4x100m relay team comprising Marc Brian Louis, Joshua Chua, Mark Lee and Ian Koe clinched bronze at the 31st SEA Games athletics event at the My Dinh National Stadium on Monday evening (16 May). It was the first time since 2015 that Singapore has medaled in the men's 4x100m relay event, with predecessors Calvin Kang, Gary Yeo, Muhammad Amirudin Jamal and Lee Cheng Wei famously clinching silver at the 28th SEA Games with a time of 39.32 seconds to set a new national record. The feat is all the more impressive with the current squad averaging just 20.5 years-old. Singapore's 4x100m team photo with the full team including coach and team manager. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG Following their bronze medal win, the team was in celebratory mood but also a little disappointed they did not break the national record, a target they had hoped to achieve at this SEA Games. "Winning a medal was always the aim," said Mark Lee, 18, when asked if winning a bronze was expected by the team. "In fact we knew that if we had the perfect run, we would break the national record but it didn't happen today." His teammate Ian Koe, 23, agreed and felt there was still plenty of room for improvement: "I feel that today's exchanges went well." Singapore men's 4x100m relay team in celebratory mood after achieving a first medal in the event since 2015. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG "We can always still stretch it a little bit but what we have to work on now is to improve on our individual bests. That is where we lose out to other countries." Having trained together for less than a year since July 2021, Koe believes there are better things yet to come for the team although the race would have done plenty of good for the confidence of each of the athletes heading into their individual events. Coming into the SEA Games, the team had competed in the Australian Track and Field Championships and clocked 40.07 seconds, a result which injected some self-belief into the team. "That race gave us some confidence because it really showed that with a bit more fine tuning we can actually get to sub 40, something which has eluded us over the past year," said the 23 year-old Koe. When asked how they would describe their current feelings, Lee said it was a mixture of joy and relief. "This is such a stressful event, and we have worked really hard for this. We are so so happy." #SportPlusSG #SEAGames31 #TeamSingapore #Athletics

Singapore's badminton athletes off to a rousing start with both Women's and Men's teams overcoming the Philippines and Laos in straight sets to book a place in the last four Reigning world champion Loh Kean Yew kickstarts the winning streak for the Men's team edging out Vixunnalath Phichith (21-12, 21-3). PHOTO: WEIXIANG LIM, SNOC Hanoi, Vietnam, 16 May 2022 - Singapore's Men and Women Badminton teams have gotten their 31st SEA Games campaign off to the perfect start, smashing their way through to the last four of the team events with straight set victories over Laos and the Philippines. Women's Team Event Singapore's top female shuttler Yeo Jia Min laid the foundation for the team's quarter final success with a confident display to clock successive points and win the team's first game of the day in the first Women’s Singles match. Coming up against Janelle Anne Andres of the Philippines, she sealed the victory in straight sets 21-12, 21-8, in a match which lasted 24 minutes. Singapore's top female shuttler Yeo Jia Min secured the first point for the Women's team with a comfortable lead of (21-12, 21-8). PHOTO: WEIXIANG LIM, SNOC Doubles pair Jin Yujia and Crystal Wong's match followed suit, and the duo secured the second point for the team, defeating the pairing of Airah Mae Nicole Albo and Thea Marie Pomar in straight sets in the Women's Doubles 21-14, 21-19. Sealing the win for the team was Jaslyn Hooi , Singapore's second highest ranked female shuttler. She defeated Mikaela Joy De Guzman in straight sets 21-17, 21-17 in the Women's Singles to earn the third and match winning point for the team to secure a semi-final spot tomorrow. Singapore doubles pair Crystal Wong (left) and Jin Yujia in action against at the Bac Giang Gymnasium. PHOTO: WEIXIANG LIM, SNOC The team will be taking on team Thailand tomorrow morning at 10am SGT. Men's Team Event In the Men's team event, reigning world champion Loh Kean Yew fired through the Men's Singles, edging out Vixunnalath Phichith from team Laos by a margin in straight sets 21-12, 21-3. Prior to the games, Loh had come out of the Thomas Cup in superb form, defeating his opponents in straight games. The second game of the match was represented by doubles pair Danny Bawa Chrisnanta and Andy Kwek who went up against Namboun Luangmath and Daomixay Vorlasing in the Men's Doubles. Although team Laos took the first set with a score of 21-15, the Singaporean duo continued to stay calm and powered through. Eventually, they edged out their opponents in the subsequent sets with a score of 21-8, 21-8. Rising star Jason Teh secured the win for the team when he outplayed Phonesack Sokthavy in straight sets 21-11, 21-5 in the Men's Singles to end the match with a comfortable lead of 3-0. Jason Teh secures the win to land the team a spot in the semi-finals. PHOTO: BADMINTON ASIA The team will play in the semi-finals tomorrow against team Malaysia at 4pm SGT. #SportPlusSG #SEAGames31 #TeamSingapore #Badminton

Fast approaching 30, swimmer Pang Sheng Jun goes into next month's Hanoi SEA Games with no expectations, choosing instead to enjoy the journey Singapore swimmer Pang Sheng Jun trains at the competition pool of the OCBC Aquatic Centre, Singapore Sports Hub. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG He almost quit swimming last year when he failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, but national shuttler Yeo Jia Min's Olympic qualification inspired him to continue. The two have been dating since September 2020, and are widely considered as a high profile athlete couple in the sporting fraternity. Watch our full video interview with Pang Sheng Jun on Studio Plus here. In fact, Yeo's influence has been a big reason why Pang is still swimming today, as he prepares for next month's 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam . "She asked me if I feel I had fulfilled my potential as an athlete," shared Pang in reference to a chat he had with Yeo. Singapore swimmer Pang Sheng Jun takes a breather in the OCBC Aquatic Centre competition pool at Singapore Sports Hub. PHOTO: JOHN YEONG, SPORTPLUS.SG "I felt I still had a good race in me, so she asked 'why not just continue?'" As a seasoned swimmer for the Southeast Asian Games, next month's showpiece, the first since the 2019 edition in the Philippines, would be the seventh time Pang competes at the regional Games. Pang Sheng Jun in gym training at the Singapore Sports Institute, Sport Singapore. PHOTO: GENE LECK, SPORTPLUS.SG The 30 year-old is grateful for what swimming has given him and the opportunity to still be part of the SEA Games squad. He hopes to pass on his knowledge and experience to the younger swimmers who are breaking through. Behind-the-scenes with Singapore swimmer Pang Sheng Jun, while filming one of 100 TikTok videos as part of the TikTok x SportPlus.sg SEA Games series. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG "I still remember my first SEA Games when I was one of the more junior athletes and I had good seniors to guide me along," he said. "I hope to also be able to guide the junior swimmers." Singapore swimmer Pang Sheng Jun gets ready to enter the competition pool OCBC Aquatic Centre, Singapore Sports Hub. PHOTO: JOHN YEONG, SPORTPLUS.SG When asked what can Team Singapore fans and supporters expect from him at the upcoming SEA Games, Pang reflected on how his mindset has changed over the years as an athlete. Pang said with a chuckle: "I don't really have much expectations now that I'm turning 30. Mostly it's enjoying every moment, enjoying the process." An underwater shot of Singapore swimmer Pang Sheng Jun before push off in the competition pool of the OCBC Aquatic Centre, Singapore Sports Hub. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG "I'm just grateful to be part of the SEA Games team. I am also grateful to my parents, because they have never once told me to quit, because they know that I love swimming a lot and I'm still enjoying it." The 31st Southeast Asian Games will be taking place from 12 - 23 May 2022 in Hanoi, Vietnam. SportPlus.sg is pleased to join hands with TikTok, the world's fastest growing social media platform, to shine the spotlight on the journeys of 10 of Singapore's SEA Games athletes in this 8-part series, and assist athletes with TikTok content creation to amplify their online presence for the Games. Sp ecial thanks to Team Singapore, Singapore Athletics, Singapore Badminton Association, Basketball Association of Singapore, Football Association of Singapore, Singapore Silat Federation, Singapore Swimming, Volleyball Association of Singapore, Singapore Underwater Federation, ActiveSG Sport Centres and Chinese Swimming Club for supporting this series. #SportPlusSG #TikTokSingapore #SEAGames31 #GoTeamSG

Singapore's Pocari Sweat 2.4km Challenge Winner plans to use 1,500m event to better his longer distances Singapore middle distance runner Jeevan is looking forward to his second SEA Games and the 82nd Singapore Open. PHOTO: FELIX GALISTAN SPORTPLUS.SG He made the headlines when he broke Soh Rui Yong's 2.4km record to win the Pocari Sweat 2.4km Challenge in January and won the event. Having donated 400 packets of chicken rice, Jeevanesh Soundararajah has now set his sights on a bigger milestone - the 1,500m event at the 31st SEA Games next month, with the 82nd Singapore Open Track and Field Championships likely to play a pivotal role as part of his preparations. Jeevan made the switch from 5,000m to 1,500m for this year's Singapore Open and SEA Games. PHOTO: FELIX GALISTAN SPORTPLUS.SG The 29 year-old, who will be making his second appearance at the Southeast Asian Games, first made his bow in the competition at the 2015 Singapore SEA Games in the 5,000m event. So what was the reason for the switch to the shorter 1,500m, and how are preparations different for the two? "The recent shift was because I found 1,500m to be a more achievable qualifying mark for the SEA Games, and it was also a new challenge for me in terms of training for this event - it is shorter and a lot speedier," said Jeevan. "I believe these speed trainings would also help me for my 5k and for other longer distances. And because of the 1,500m, my 800m timing has also improved, and you can also see how it went for the 2.4km Pocari Sweat Challenge. All these middle distance events train me to be a better runner, which will help me in the longer run." Jeevan will be making his second SEA Games appearance next month in Hanoi. PHOTO: FELIX GALISTAN SPORTPLUS.SG With the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi less than 30 days away, Jeevan believes the Singapore Open is a great opportunity to help him gauge his readiness for the multi-sport spectacle. "We're just one month away from the SEA Games, so I think it's ideal preparation for me in terms of knowing where I am at in one month's time when I compete." He added, "The Singapore Open will have runners from Malaysia, Indonesia; so it's a good competition where I can compete in, to see where I stand and then move forward for the SEA Games." His preparations for the Games have certainly not been easy with Covid-19 throwing a wrench into the good rhythm he had built up leading up into 2020. Jeevan stretching before his training at Home of Athletics. PHOTO: FELIX GALISTAN SPORTPLUS.SG The Singapore middle-distance runner enthused: "I was training quite well in 2019, and I started work as as well after I graduated in 2018. So in 2019 I was working, and trying to find the rhythm. I managed to find the rhythm, and started training but in 2020 Covid hit and that's where the cancellations came in and there was a loss of motivation for me there." Despite the setback, in December 2020 Jeevan decided to train up again for the SEA Games, which was initially slated to happen in 2021, and he managed to hit the qualifying mark for the 1,500m event after training for 5-6 months. His resilience will be tested in the coming weeks on the road to Hanoi, but first there's the small matter of the Singapore Open for Jeevan to navigate this weekend. We wish him the very best. The 82nd Singapore Open Track and Field Championships will take place from 16-17 April 2022 at the Home of Athletics, Stadium Boulevard, Singapore 397804. The competition will be streamed live on Singapore Athletics' Facebook page , while specators are also allowed inside the venue to support and cheer on the athletes. #SportPlusSG #Athletics #TrackAndField #1500m

Vietnam and Philippines prove superior for the Men's and Women's Duathlon events, as Singapore's duathlon athletes put in a hard shift on another tough day at Tuan Chau The women's duathlon elites in the first lap of their 10km run for the Duathlon. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG Tuan Chau, Vietnam, 15 May 2022 - Vietnam hometown favourite Pham Tien San clinched the Men's Duathlon Event gold, and Philippines Kim Mangrobang emerged tops for the women elites at the 31st SEA Games Duathlon event, as Singapore's duathlon athletes battled hard to emerge with respectable results. Watch Lam Wai Kit, Ahmad Arif Ibrahim and Yong Man Yun in action at the finals, and other SEA Games highlights from 15 May, here on Studio Plus. Flagging off 5 minutes earlier than the originally stipulated 6am, Singapore's Lam Wai Kit and Ahmad Arif Ibrahim put in a good shift, with the latter suffering an unfortunate crash during the bike course that ultimately cost him his lead and possibly a medal as he was leading at the point. Singapore duo Ahmad Arif Ibrahim (front) and Lam Wai Kit going around the course in the men's Duathlon event at the 31st SEA Games. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG Despite the setback, the Singaporean duo of Lam and Ahmad continued to battle and finished the course coming in with a respectable 5th position and 8th position. Lam clocked a timing of 01:58:07, trailing closely behind John Chicano from the Philippines who clocked a timing of 01:57:50. Singapore's Yong Man Yun giving chase at the 31st SEA Games. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG The race was eventually won by hometown favourite Pham Tien San, who did not fly out of the blocks but proved most consistent after staying with the lead pack. Indonesia took both second and third spots for the men's duathlon, with Rudi Ferbriade's 01:56:12 see him take silver, and Jauhari Johan clinching bronze with 01:57:36. Ahmad's unfortunate incident meant he still finished strong but with a timing of 02:04:54 in eighth position. He needed some medical attention after the race. Philippines Kim Mangrobang (right) proved her dominance of both triathlon and duathlon elite events, bagging consecutive gold medals at the 31st SEA Games. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG In the women's event, Philippines' Kim Mangrobang added a second gold medal in two days after clinching the women's triathlon event a day earlier. Mangrobang had on Saturday continued her dominance in women’s individual triathlon at the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam, bagging her third consecutive triathlon gold at the Games. Singapore's Ahmad Arif Ibrahim in the men's Duathlon event at the 31st SEA Games. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore's sole representative Yong Man Yun came in sixth out of a field of 11 competitors with her time of 02:22:08, finishing ahead of Chia Ling Pow from Malaysia who finished with a timing of 02:22:30. Yong stayed with the lead pack for as long as she could, and proved consistent enough to place sixth after chasing a lead pack which saw Malaysia's Tahira Najmunissa take silver (02:14:22) and Zahra Putri Bulan of Indonesia clinch bronze. Vietnam's Thi Phuong Trinh lost out on a medal position after initially starting strong, coming in fourth at 02:15:54. #SportPlusSG #SEAGames31 #TeamSingapore #Duathlon

Facing bronze medal rivals at the 2019 SEA Games, Singapore men's beach volleyball team could not prevent a similar outcome on the Opening Day of pool play Kinglsey Tay attempts a spike in the first of two matches against the Philippines. PHOTO: DYAN TJHIA, SNOC Tuan Chau, Vietnam, 15 May 2022 - Singapore's Men and Women beach volleyball teams suffered opening day defeats against a strong Philippines side, going down 0-2 each. Watch snippets of the Men's Beach Volleyball match and our SEA Games highlights from 15 May here on Studio Plus. Facing the bronze medalists and familiar opponents from the 2019 SEA Games, the men's comprising Kingsley Tay, Trevis Tan, Nicholas Kiu and Nicholas Law were unable to prevent a 0-2 reverse despite a strong start in their opening sets. Ong Wei Yu and Eliza Chong of Team 2 from the Singapore Women's Team in the Singapore vs Philippines Beach Volleyball Pool Play match. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG Men's Beach Volleyball: Philippines 2-0 Singapore Team 1 of Kingsley Tay and Trevis Tan started well with confidence flowing in their veins following a string of good rallies and smart finishes with Kingsley Tay's aerial dominance in particularly proving to be a difficulty for the Pilipinas. Nicholas Law of Singapore punches his fist in jubilation after winning a crucial point against the Philippines Men's Beach Volleyball team in Pool Play. PHOTO: D YAN TJHIA, SNOC The Philippines duo of Garcia and Arbasto were however quick to respond and displayed tactical superiority to claim both sets with a score of 21-15, 21-17. Trevis Tan (right) dives to save a point for Singapore in the match against Philippines Beach Volleyball Pool Play match. PHOTO: D YAN TJHIA, SNOC Women's Beach Volleyball: Philippines 2-0 Singapore The women's team, with three SEA Games debutants, also kickstarted their SEA Games campaign today, going down 0-2 against Team Philippines who also placed third at the last edition of the games. Team 1 comprising Cecilia Soh and Alicia Tan, both making their SEA Games bow, fell to a more experienced Philippines pairing Rondina and Pons with a score line of 14-21, 9-21. Alicia Tan (left) and Cecilia Soh celebrate a point in their match against Rondina and Pons of the Philippines. PHOTO: D YAN TJHIA, SNOC Paired against strong Philippines duo Gonzaga and Rodriguez, Team 2's Eliza Chong and Ong Wei Yu were also defeated 21-12, 21-8. Eliza Chong and Floremel Rodriguez had previously faced off at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines when both players had different partners. Rodriguez teamed up with Angeline Marie Gervacio, while Eliza Chong partnered Gladys Lee as Singapore also suffered a 2-0 defeat (21-18, 21-16). Ong Wei Yu (right) leaps to block a spike in the match against the Philippines in Pool Play. PHOTO: D YAN TJHIA, SNOC #SportPlusSG #SEAGames31 #TeamSingapore #BeachVolleyball

Singapore's Lynelle Lim falls to Malaysia's Jo-Leen Saw in the Women's Singles Round of 16, misses out on a spot in the quarter finals Lynelle Lim, Singapore's sole Tennis representative at the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, in action against Jo-Leen Saw of Malaysia in the morning's Women's Singles match. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG Hanoi, Vietnam, 17 May 2022 - Singapore's sole Tennis representative at the 31st SEA Games has been knocked out in the Women's Singles Round of 16 earlier today in a causeway derby match which matched up Singapore against Malaysia. Lynelle Lim , 20, went up against Malaysia's rising star, Jo-Leen Saw , 14. 15 year old Jo-Leen Saw made her SEA Games debut in the team event last Friday. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG Despite her tender years and making her SEA Games debut, Saw is already Malaysia's top seeded tennis athlete and won two ITF J5 and one J4 doubles titles last year, and bagged her maiden singles title on clay at a J5 tournament in Colombo, Sri Lanka in February this year. Saw defeated Lim 2-0 (6-3, 6-2) to book a spot in the quarter finals where she will take on tournament favourite Alexandra Eala of the Philippines. Lynelle Lim of Singapore returning a serve in her match against Malaysia's Jo-Leen Saw. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG Prior to the games, Lim had been based in the United States where she was training under a full-time scholarship at James Madison University (JMU). This was her second appearance at the games, with the first being the 2019 edition where she had narrowly missed out on a podium finish with her Women's Doubles pair, Charmaine Seah. Thailand's Luksika KumKhum returns a backhand in the match against Savanna Ly Nguyen of Vietnam. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG The win was a welcome one for Saw, who had lost out earlier this week in the women's doubles event where she and her teammate Elysia Wan suffered defeats against Marian Capadocia and Alex Eala to bow out 0-2 against bronze medalists Team Philippines. Meanwhile in other Women's Round of 16 action, Thai star Luksika KumKhum trounced Vietnamese home favourite Savanna Ly Nguyen at centre court 6-1, 6-1 to book her place in the Women’s Singles quarter finals. Savanna Ly Nguyen of Vietnam in action against Thailand's Luksika KumKhum of Thailand at centre court in the Women's Singles. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG Men’s Doubles In the Men’s Doubles, Malaysian tennis star Koay Hao Sheng got the first action of the day started at Court 4 of the Hanaka Paris Ocean Park, as he teamed up with compatriot Syed Mohd Aqil to defeat Laos pair Vitaya Rasavady and Sataporn Simmalavong 6-3, 6-3. Filipino duo Jeson Patrombon and Francis Casey Alcantara also booked themselves a place in the quarters with a comfortable 2-0 win over Cambodian pair Matthew David Krusling and Samneang Long. Koay Hao Sheng of Malaysia teamed up with Syed Mohd Aqil to win the men's doubles match against Laos 6-3, 6-3. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG Mixed Doubles The action did not stop there, as Marian Capadocia continued on her rich vein of form to help the Filipinas navigate a tricky fixture against Malaysia in the Mixed Doubles. Teaming up with Francis Casey Alcantara, Capadocia played a pivotal role scoring crucial points including the eventual match winner to keep her hopes of another SEA Games tennis medal alive. Malaysia starlet Elysia Wan did not enjoy a change in fortune from the team events however, as together with Imran Daniel she was eliminated from the competition after a keenly fought contest of three matches with Achad Imam Maruf and Jessy Priskila Rompies of Indonesia that saw Malaysia bow out 1-2 (7-5, 6-7, 7-10). Watch the highlights from the Women's Round of 16 match between Lynelle Lim (SGP) and Saw Jo-Leen (MAS) here on Studio Plus. #SportPlusSG #SEAGames31 #Tennis