KUALA LUMPUR: Former world keirin champion Azizulhasni Awang successfully defended his men's elite individual sprint title at the National Championships in Nilai today.
Azizulhasni tamed national teammate Shah Firdaus Sahrom 2-0 in the semi-finals before downing Shah's younger brother Ridwan Sahrom, also in two races, in the final at the National Velodrome.
Azizulhasni (Terengganu), who competed in the Japan Track Cup series last week, said he was impressed with Ridwan's (Johor) performances.
"I wasn't actually planning to compete in this tournament as I only recently returned from Japan," said Azizulhasni.
"I consider this to be part of my preparations for the Paris Olympics and was careful not to risk crashing.
"I was still able to win but I was definitely impressed by my junior. Ridwan was determined to clock a sub-10 second time in qualifying and he did just that.
"He pushed me hard in both races in the final."
Ridwan had defeated Fadhil Zonis (Selangor) 2-0 in his semi-final. Shah (Johor) secured the bronze after beating Fadhil 2-0 in the third-place playoff.
The women's elite individual sprint saw Paris-bound Izzah Izzati Asri (Kedah) beating Anis Amira Rosidi (Perlis) 2-0 for the gold.
Amber Yong (Selangor) defeated Aliana Azizan (Penang) 2-0 to secure the bronze.
The men's elite elimination race was won by Harrif Saleh while the women's elite scratch race was won by Nur Aisyah Zubir. The duo are both from Terengganu.
The keirin events will be held tomorrow.
