KUALA LUMPUR: It appears there will be no one faster than Azeem Fahmi in the Malaysia Games men's 100m final tomorrow.
The 18-year-old speed demon easily clocked the fastest time of 10.33 seconds in his heat at the National Stadium today,
Based on the times of his rivals today, no other sprinters can match Azeem, the holder of the national 100m record (10.09).
Johor's Arsyad Saat clocked the second fastest time of 10.54 in the heats. Negri Sembilan's Haiqal Hanafi, the 2019 Sea Games gold medallist, clocked the third fastest time of 10.57.
"This was one of the best races of my life today. My target was to do 10.40 in the heats, but I did well to clock 10.33. I'm looking forward to the final.
"I expect Arsyad and Haiqal to give me a strong challenge in the final," said Azeem, who is featuring in his second Malaysia Games.
In the 2018 Malaysia Games, Azeem qualified for the 100m final in Ipoh. He clocked 10.90 to finish eighth and last.
"What is important for me is to do a consistent time, and my target in the final is to do 10.30," said Azeem.
Arsyad, 20, said he was delighted to reach his first 100m final in the Games.
"It will be an interesting final. Azeem looks to be in good form. I need to improve on my personal best of 10.48," he said.
Meanwhile Nor Sarah Adi will start as the favourite in the women's 100m final after clocking the fastest time of 11.93 in her heat.
However, the Pahang athlete, who has a PB of 11.89, said: "It was not a good race as I had a slow start from the blocks and I was nervous during the start. I almost lost my balance in the first few metres."
Nur Afrina Batrisyia clocked 12.11 to finish second in the heats.
KW: athletics, Azeem Fahmi, Malaysia Games men's 100m final, Arsyad Saat