On point: Nur Durratul Yazit won bronze in the women’s singles. — AFP
DEBUTANTS Mohd Adam Haiqal Mohd Zaki and Mohd Fadzrul Ismansyah Mohd Faizal can hold their heads high despite missing out on the SEA Games petanque final.
The duo had to settle for bronze after going down 8-13 to hosts Pheap Vakhim-Puth Yon Chandara in the men’s doubles semi-final at the Olympic Complex: Petanque Arena, but there was no disappointment.
Adam was in fact surprised that they managed to reach the semi-finals given the short amount of time they had to prepare.
“I’ve never thought that we could win the bronze medal because this is our first SEA Games,” said the 19-year-old Adam.
“This is my first time partnering Fadzrul and we only trained together for a month.
“However, I need to work harder on my pointing.”
Pointing refers to throwing boules so that they rest very close to the jack.
The semi-final was an intense one as the Malaysians were trailing 0-6 before clawing their way back to go 8-7 ahead.
However, they could not hold their ground as the hosts staged a great fightback to win 13-8.
Adam felt it was a fruitful outing and he had also learned a lot from the game.
“I have learned that I need to be stronger mentally, braver and more confident in every throw.”
On Sunday, Saiful Bahri Musmin delivered the first petanque gold in the men’s singles while Nur Durratul Yazit took bronze in the women’s singles.
At the last SEA Games in Hanoi last year, petanque contributed one silver and two bronzes.
