Prem Kumar gains revenge in Manila

From Syaiful Afiq Ahamidi

MANILA, Dec 7 -- S. Prem Kumar gave the Malaysian karate squad their first gold at the 30th SEA Games here when he beat Norman Marz Montalvo of the Philippines in the men’s below 55kg kumite final today.

Prem Kumar was neither rattled by his opponent nor the vociferous crowd at the World Trade Centre as he punched and kicked his way to a 6-1 win.

His golden effort made amends for his defeat by another Filipino exponent, John Paul Bejar, in the final at the last SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur two years ago.

"I went in with the aim of winning and was not nervous at all. I’ve redeemed my loss at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.

“I have long prepared myself physically and mentally to challenge the Filipinos, even in their own den,” he told reporters here.

Malaysia also won a silver through Ooi San Hong in the men’s individual kata on the opening day.

San Hong, who is making his debut at the Games, scored 25 points to lose by just 0.26 point to Ahmad Zigi Zaresta Yuda of Indonesia.

"It’s sad but at least I did not lose by a wide margin. 

“My opponent was more aggressive and appeared stronger. I have to work harder to face more challenges in the future,” he said.

-- BERNAMA