Azizulhasni snatches keirin gold from world No 1 at World Cup

 The 38-year-old overtook Great Britain’s Matthew Richardson by millimetres at the finish line.

Azizulhasni Awang had been forced to go through the repechage route earlier today after finishing third in his opening round heat. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 National track cycling ace Azizulhasni Awang delivered a shock to world No 1 Matthew Richardson of Great Britain, snatching the men’s keirin gold by a whisker at the opening leg of the UCI Track World Cup series in Perth today.

Azizulhasni, who was drawn fifth behind the derny, caught up to Richardson on the second last lap at the Perth SpeedDome, the New Straits Times reported.

Richardson hit the front on the final straight, but was overtaken by a mere inch by Azizulhasni at the finish line. Leigh Hoffman of Australia finished third.

It was an outstanding feat as the 38-year-old – nicknamed the “Pocket Rocketman” – was forced to go through the repechage route after finishing third in his opening round heat earlier today.

In the women’s individual sprint, both Izzah Izzati Asri and Nur Alyssa Farid were unable to make it past the second round, losing to Olympic champion Ellesse Andrews of New Zealand and China’s Yuan Liying.

Izzah and Alyssa placed 13th and 14th respectively in qualifying at the start of the day after clocking 11.042 seconds and 11.058s respectively.

Azizulhasni will compete in the men’s individual sprint while Izzah and Alyssa will contest the women’s keirin tomorrow. - FMT