PETALING JAYA: It was a very emotional day for Azizulhasni Awang as he finally claimed the elusive Commonwealth Games gold medal in his illustrious career.
A 16-year wait came to an end as Azizul pulled off a huge win for Malaysia, executing his final move to perfection to win the keirin final at Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome tonight (July 31).
He was lightning quick over the last lap to beat a classy field, including the defending champion and former world record holder Nicholas Paul of Trinidad and Tobago.
Australia's Leigh Hoffman settled for silver and Harry Ledingham-Horn of England took the bronze.
Paul, the champion in Birmingham four years ago, settled for fourth.
At 38 years of age, Azizul is only the second Malaysian cyclist to win gold at the Commonwealth Games, which is also the seventh for Malaysian contingent in Glasgow.
He had come close to winning back in his Commonwealth Games debut in New Delhi, India in 2010, making it to the final and finishing first only to be relegated.
Luckily, fellow teammate Josiah Ng finished second and was promoted to first.
Azizul had entered the main final after finishing second behind Australian Ryan Tayte in the first heat.
Fellow Malaysian Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom's bid to join Azizul in the final ended after he finishing fourth in the second heat.
Shah Firdaus later came back strongly to win the consolation final to rank seventh overall.
Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri's gallant run in the women's sprint event ended after she was beaten in the deciding heat by Sophie Capewell of England in the semi-finals.
Izzah would eventually lost the bronze medal match as well, going down 0-2 to Rhian Edwards of Wales.
