Lim takes bronze in Games debut

Lim takes bronze in Games debut

NAYPYIDAW - Languishing in seventh spot after six shots into his 50m rifle prone final yesterday, Singapore shooter Abel Lim told himself to relax.

"I was aware that I had to catch up but I knew I had to stick to my training and do what I'm supposed to do, shot by shot," the 20-year-old said.

The plan worked. Soon, he was roaring up the leader board, even going in front of an eight-man line-up by his 14th shot.

Alas, he had four more shots to go and the lead vanished by his 18th shot. He finished the final in third spot with 180.3 points, behind Nguyen Thanh Dat of Vietnam (210.3) and Thailand's Napis Tortungpanich (200).

Lim's bronze was the only medal Singapore won yesterday, with most events in Naypyidaw taking a break owing to the evening's opening ceremony. But the shooting competition took place at the North Dagon Range in Yangon, so it proceeded as usual.

Lim entered the final round after scoring 614.3 points in the qualifying round, fifth-highest among the 24 marksmen.

But the Singapore team comprising Lim, Kasmijan Kimin and Ong Jun Hong finished fourth behind gold medallists Thailand, second-placed Vietnam and third-placed Myanmar.

Lim, who was making his SEA Games debut, was pleased with his performance.

"I actually do not have much high-pressure situation training. This can be attained only through such high-level competitions," he said.

For Lim, who is waiting to enter national service, being in Yangon instead of the main action in Naypyidaw made little difference.

"There was not much mention of the opening ceremony here," he admitted.

"But we had a flag-raising ceremony yesterday and the atmosphere was pretty good.

"So, we do feel that we are part of the Games."

hankeong@sph.com.sg


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