Muhammad Haziq Mohamad Akhir wins men’s 200m gold at the Malaysia Open by 0.01 seconds in a thrilling finish.
MUHAMMAD Haziq Mohamad Akhir edged a thrilling finish in one of the closest races of the day to claim the men’s 200 metres title at the Malaysia Open Athletics Championships, winning by just 0.01 seconds at the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Stadium here today.
The 23-year-old Team Malaysia University sprinter stopped the clock at 21.38 seconds (s) to narrowly beat Sabah’s Muhammad Muzaffarshah Abdul Sahidu (21.39s). Kedah’s Muhammad Umaira Subri took the bronze in 21.59s.
Muhammad Haziq, competing in the 200m event at the championships for the first time, however, failed to improve on his season’s personal best of 21.01s set at the Varsity Track and Field Championships in Terengganu in June.
The Selangor-born athlete said the win was especially meaningful as it was his first podium finish at the Malaysia Open.
“For me, this is a major championships. I am extremely proud and thankful because this is my first medal at the Malaysia Open.
“Insya-Allah, I consider this a starting point for future championships,” he said.
The victory should boost his confidence ahead of the ASEAN University Games (AUG) 2026 to be held in Kuala Lumpur from Dec 10-20.
Meanwhile, Terengganu’s Izzatul Musfirah Ahmad Kamal Azira, who agonisingly missed out on the 100m gold by 0.01s yesterday, responded with a commanding performance to win the 200m title in 24.62s.
Franceine Jhobie Rosario of the Philippines clinched silver in 25.01s, while Nur Aliya Najihah Muda, also of Terengganu, took bronze in 25.19s.
