MANILA: National skateboard athlete Grace Wong Sze Ern pulled off an upset to claim gold for Malaysia in the women’s downhill event at the 30th SEA Games today.
Grace beat three other participants, including two from the host nation, in the final round at the Seaside Race Track, Maragondon, Cavite to give Malaysia a surprise gold.
Thailand’s Nuansamorn Pimchua claimed the silver while Grace Rydelle Abarico of the Philippines won the bronze.
Team manager Idroose Tambarin said Grace started the race well and executed the corners smoothly on the 1.7km track.
"The sprints and good corner executions by Grace threw the host nation’s athletes off rhythm and allowed Grace to win. In the semi-final stage, she finished second to just qualify for the final round.
"Our target for Grace was only silver because it was a tough fight in the event. In the early round it was already very competitive, what more in the final when the hosts have two athletes taking part,” he said.
Another national skateboard athlete Luqman Hakimi Ahmad Shahrafidz won the bronze in the men’s downhill event.
The Philippines achieved a one-two finish through Rafael Jaime De Lange and Raphael Duke Pandeagua respectively. -- BERNAMA