'5039' sold out at 4D outlets as Singaporeans celebrate Schooling's gold medal

SINGAPORE - 50.39. Four little numbers that will now forever be a part of Singapore's sporting history.

Of course, the number refers to Joseph Schooling's Olympic record-breaking timing in the 100m butterfly final.

And 4D-loving Singaporeans were quick to spring into action, trying to cash in on a set of numbers that many now view as auspicious.

Images circulating on social media showed that the number 5039 was sold out for the 4D draw at Singapore Pools' outlets islandwide, just hours after the Texas-based swimmer became Singapore's first ever Olympic gold medallist.

Today reported that punters who tried to lay a bet on the number were rejected.

By midday, various users, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's wife Ho Ching, had also taken to social media to say that the number had been sold out.

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In the competition that took place at 9.12am (Singapore time), Schooling beat out childhood idol and the most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, to first place. Phelps, South Africa's Chad le Clos and Hungarian Laszlo Cseh all tied for the silver medal.

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Schooling's victory resulted in jubilant scenes nationwide, while the Internet also responded with characteristic wit and humour.

Singaporean punters are often on the lookout for numbers that they consider to be lucky. AsiaOne recently reported on a machine at the popular Maxwell Road Food Centre that churns out 4D and Toto numbers at the click of a button.

seanyap@sph.com.sg