Panipak and Tawin are a class of their own
OLYMPIC GAMES medallists Panipak Wongphat-tanakit and Tawin Hanprab lived up to the expectations, capturing gold medals in the taekwondo women’s under-63kg and men’s under-58kg events on the penultimate day of the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
A week after winning the World Universiade in Taiwan, the 20-year-old Panipak outclassed Nur Dhia Lyana Binti of Malaysia 39-1 for her third consecutive victory, which included a gold in the Grand Prix in Moscow earlier this month.
The Surat Thani-based Panipak, who was born on August 8, highlighted the fact that the three gold medals all came during this month.
“I’m delighted to win my first SEA Games gold after losing the final in the 2011 Games. Winning three golds is a perfect birthday gift for me. I haven’t celebrated my 20th birthday due to my busy schedule. But now I will,” said the Rio Games bronze medallist, who will now take a break to nurse her injured shoulder.
The 2016 Olympics silver medallist, Tawin, also showed no mercy to Muhammad Iskandar Zulkanian of Malaysia, trouncing his opponent |33-7. The 19-year-old from Pathum Thani had also represented Thailand in the Universiade Games where he won a bronze medal.
In badminton, Thailand won mixed doubles, women’s doubles and men’s doubles gold medals. Top pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai grabbed the first gold for the Thai badminton team when they outclassed second seeded Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai of Malaysia 21-16 22-20. It was the first win for the Thai pair over the rivals in three attempts.
“It was very tough in the second game,” said Dechapol, who was celebrating his second success of the year with Sapsiree after winning the Swiss Open in March.
It was the third gold medal in the Games for Sapsiree, who won team events in 2015 and this year. It was also the first time in 14 years that the Kingdom won the mixed doubles title.
“We had no pressure going into the final. We just kept doing what we had to and didn’t think too much about what happened in the past. I’m thrilled to win the mixed doubles for Thailand,” said Sapsiree.
Sapsiree’s luck ran out when she was forced to retire with a knee injury during the women’s doubles final. Teaming with Puttita Supajirakul, Sapsiree called it quits trailing 21-16 7-8 to compatriots Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai. It was the first SEA Games gold medal for Thailand in badminton women’s doubles in 46 years.
In the men’s singles, second seed Khosit Phetpradab failed to get the better of old rival Jonatan Christie of Indonesia, going down 21-19 21-10.
In the men’s doubles, third seed Kittinupong Kedren and Dechapol Puavaranukroh upset Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi of Malaysia 21-19 20-22 21-17. The badminton team has won four gold medals, including the women’s team championship.
In muay thai, Thailand won two men’s events through Anueng Khatthamarasri, in the under-71kg, and Mana Somchaiyaphum, in the under-67kg.
In Pencak silat, Sobri Cheni won the men’s 55-60 kg. In short-track speed skating, Triphop Thongngam won the gold in the men’s 500m event. As-ma Jeh-ma, Asma Wanchitnai and Burisan Loseng won the women’s team event.
