Damayanthi survives scare

Asian Games gold medallist KV Damayanthi Darsha of Sri Lanka was given a torrid time before pipping India’s K M Beenamol at the tape to win the 400 metres women’s gold. Darsha warded off the spirited challenge of Beenamol with the former timing at 51.87, while the Indian girl came second after clocking 51.96. Alena Petrova of Turkminstan, way behind at 53.81 seconds, took the third spot.

Darsha started confidently and maintained a good pace with a close on her Indian rivasl, who always reserves her best against her. The Indian took up the challenge bravely and with long strides in the last 100 metres, Beenamol seemed set to create an upset. Darsha was frantic and barely edged out Beenamol to win the race by 0.09 seconds. Darsha who fell on the new track exhausted and was helped off by the officials. Darsha was richer by $2000 while Beenamol had to be content with $1000.

Earlier in the men’s 800 metres, India’s K M Binu ran an impressive race to give the hosts their first silver medal. Binu recorded his best timing of 1:46.52 seconds. The race was won by Korea’s Lee Jae Hoon while his teammate Kim Soon took the bronze.

The games’ first gold medal went to Bader Aman Al Fulah of Kuwait. Bader cruised home in 49.13 seconds to win the 400 mts hurdles. Yevegeniy Meleshenko of Kazakhstan (49.66) and Chen Tein Wen (Taipei) were second and third respectively.

Kuwait’s second gold came when Fawzy D Al Shemmeri had a smooth sailing in the 400 metres event. The tall Shemmeri, a recent winner in IAAF meet in Qatar, outsurvived Asiad gold medallist Sri Lankan Sugath Thilkaratne. Shemmeri won in 45.42seconds while Thilkaratne (45.73), who arrived in the evening, looked a tired athlete at the end of the race.