YOUNG M'SIAN SAILOR CREATES HISTORY BY WINNING IODA WORLD TITLE AFTER 30 YEARS

LANGKAWI (Malaysia), Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Young national sailor Ahmad Syukri
Abdul Aziz created history by winning the International Optimist Dinghy
Association (IODA) World title in the men's individual event for the first time
in 30 years.

Ahmad Syukri, 14, pulled off a magnificent feat by coming from behind to
achieve the most memorable victory in local sailing history said coach Mohd
Shahir Abdul Rahim when the championships ended here Friday.

"His achievement also ensured that our target has been met after 30 years of
participation," he told Bernama.

However, he finished second in the overall individual category behind
Noppakao Poonpat of Thailand who won the women's individual title as well as
emerge as the overall champion.

Another Malaysian sailor Mohd Faizal Norizan finished third in the men's
category.

Mohd Shahir said five sailors represented Malaysia in the championships.

Despite the historic achievement of Ahmad Syukri, Malaysia who were the
defending overall champion, could only manage third place behind Thailand and
Singapore in the Optimist Nation Cup.

The championships saw 232 sailors from 55 countries participating.

Results:

Men's Individual:
1. Ahmad Syukri Abdul Aziz (Malaysia); 2. Okada Keiju (Japan); 3. Mohd
Faizal Norizan (Malaysia)

Women's Individual:
1. Noppakao Poonpat (Thailand); 2. Kimberly Lim Min (Singapore); 3. Odile
Van Aanholt (Netherland Antilles).

Overall Individual:
1. Noppakao Poonpat (Thailand); 2. Ahmad Syukri Abdul Aziz (Malaysia); 3.
Okada Keiju (Japan)

--BERNAMA



Delete & Prev | Delete & Next