KUALA LUMPUR: Pint-sized Ummi Hamimah of Terengganu entered the Sukma as an unknown prospect on the track but she will depart as a star rider after a stunning upset to deny Ju Pha Somnet of Perlis a fifth gold medal.
The 16-year-old Sukma debutant stole the thunder from the new cycling jewel from Perlis by romping to victory in the women’s keirin final at the Cheras Velodrome yesterday.
Ummi has to thank her older team-mate, Zahraa Anuawar, for making an early move to pull away immediately after the derny went off the track. The others followed but only kicked into high gear after the bell rang.
Ju Pha, who was in fifth place then, fought bravely to get the final gold of the track cycling competition but failed to overtake Ummi.
It was an outstanding effort from Ummi, whose tactical skills showed her potential to become a top sprinter.
Interestingly, Ummi also comes from the Dungun district and was previously coached by former national team mechanic Rozimi Omar, who guided Azizulhasni Awang when he took up track cycling.
Ummi, who has yet to race abroad, was delighted that her third gold of the Games was secured in her favourite discipline and at the expense of Ju Pha.
Ummi won her first gold in the team pursuit last Saturday and partnered Zahraa to her second in the team sprint on Monday.
However, she decided not to race in the 500m time trial in the morning to conserve her energy for the keirin and it paid dividends.
“I wanted to focus on the keirin and not too many races because it was tiring in this very hot weather,” said Ummi.
“Ju Pha was the favourite as she came out tops ahead of me and Zahraa in the first semi-final heat. Our heat was like the final. Another strong rider, Lauretta (Eva Adrian of Sabah) did not even make it from our heat.
“I had a discussion with Zahraa and the coach on the strategy for the final. We agreed that Zahraa would go in front first. And if she was able to hold on, she would go for it.
“I was fighting all out to stay in front of Ju Pha and I saw her front tyre just beside me towards the finishing. I was scared as she is known for her explosive finish. Thankfully, I held on for the win.”
Ju Pha was still a winner yesterday as she picked up her fourth gold from the 500m time trial event.
The 18-year-old clocked 39.519 to finish ahead of Lauretta (40.093) and Selangor’s Nurul Ahmar Badeuzzaman (40.074), the winner of the points race on Monday.
Ju Pha, who had won the scratch, individual pursuit and sprint, also has the distinction of bagging four of the five gold medals for Perlis in the Games thus far.
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