THE Malaysian combo of Muhamad Uzair Amin Mohd Yusof and Naquib Eiman Shahrin continued their excellent start in the International 420 Menās event by winning their third and fourth races on Wednesday (23 Aug).
Helmsman Uzair and crew Naquib led the fleet in both races in blustery weather ahead of sailors from Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Myanmar.
Team manager Nik Ashraf Qaedi Nik Azizan sees them as gold medal contenders in Malaysiaās quest to achieve the five gold medals from sailing, which is held at the National Sailing Centre, Langkawi.
āIt is still too early to tell since we have only finished four out of ten races but based on their performance, (Uzair and Naquib) look good for another gold,ā said former match racer Nik Ashraf Qaedi.
In the RS One Menās event which started today, Illham Wahab surprised everyone when he placed first in the first race ahead of favourites the Philippines and Thailand. He later finished fourth in the second raced and currently ranked second out of seven competitors.
Malaysia is also on top of the table for International 470 Menās event after four races and ranked second for International 470 (Women) as well as RS One (Women).
It was not a good day at the office for our International 420 Womenās sailors when they finished last in both races today, to stay at the bottom of the table.
The highlight of the day came after the races concluded with the medal presentation ceremony for winners of the team events. Medal presenters include Datoā Hj Azizan Noordin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Lim Han Yee, CEO of Singapore Sailing Federation and Admiral Arak Kaewam from the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand.
Fleet races for Optimist, Laser Radial and Laser Standard will commence tomorrow, in addition to the two races scheduled for International 470, International 420 and RS One events.
