TOKYO: Saturday (Sept 4) will be the Malaysian contingent's last chance to meet the three-gold medal target at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
With no Malaysian set to compete on the final day on Sunday (Sept 5), all hopes will be on these three athletes, namely Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi and Abdul Latif Romly, who won gold medals at the 2016 edition in Rio de Janeiro, and six-time world champion shuttler Cheah Liek Hou.
Mohamad Ridzuan will be in action in the men's 100m T36 (physical impairment) final, Abdul Latif in men's long jump T20 (physical impairment) final and six-time world badminton champion Cheah Liek Hou in men's singles SU5 (physical impairment) semi-finals.
Malaysia have already bagged one gold medal through powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin in the men's 72-kilogramme (kg) event on Saturday (Aug 28) while his team-mate Jong Yee Khie won silver in the 107kg on Monday (Aug 30).
Yesterday (Sept 2), national boccia player Chew Wei Lun bagged Malaysia's second silver medal when he lost to defending champion David Smith of Great Britain 4-2 in the mixed individual BC1 (physical impairment) category.
Mohamad Ridzuan qualified for the 100m final after clocking 12.06 seconds (s) in Heat Two of the first round at the Olympic Stadium here today.
The 33-year-old Mohamad Ridzuan, who is more fondly known as 'Dek Wan', told Bernama that he is confident of defending the gold he won in Rio in 2016 when he competes in Saturday's (Sept 4) final at about 10.38 am local time (9.38 am Malaysian time).
Long jumper Abdul Latif is then set to be in action at 7 pm local time (6 pm Malaysian time) as he too seeks to win his second straight Paralympic gold medal.
Meanwhile, Liek Hou has the chance to make history by becoming among the earliest medal winners in badminton, which is being contested in the Paralympics for the first time.
Liek Hou, who topped Group B with an unbeaten record after completing his fixtures by defeating Japan's Taiyo Imai 21-19, 21-12 this afternoon, will be in action in the semi-finals at the Yoyogi National Stadium on Saturday (Sept 4).
The world number two will take on Taiwan's Jen Yu Fang in the last four at 10.30 am local time (9.30 am Malaysian time).
Liek Hou had defeated Yu Fang 21-13, 21-9 in their Group B clash yesterday.
The final and third-placing matches will be held at 4 pm local time (3 pm Malaysian time) Saturday.
Meanwhile, rain and strong wind conditions blew another Malaysian medal prospect, recurve archer S. Suresh off course after he was eliminated in the first round at the Yumenoshima Park Archery Field this morning.
Suresh, the 2019 world champion, was shown the exit after losing 2-6 to Bato Tsydendorzhiev of the Russian Paralympic Committee.
Over at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, national swimmer Brenda Anellia Larry of Sabah failed to make the final of the women's 50m backstroke SB4 (physical impairment) category today.
The 16-year-old finished fifth in Heat One in 59.33s to end up 11th out of 15 swimmers from the two heats today.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Sep 03 2021
Abdul Latif will be in action in the men's long jump T20 (physical impairment) final at 7 pm local time (6 pm Malaysian time) in his quest for his second straight Paralympic gold medal. - BERNAMA filepic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.