HANOI, 8 December 2003 — Vietnam has dominated the first three days of the 22nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) to lead the table with 39 gold medals.
Thailand pushed into second place in the medals with 14 gold medals overall,
Cyclist Mai Cong Hieu became Vietnam’s 26th gold medal winner yesterday with a victory in the 40 kilometers time trial. Victor Espititu of the Philippines and Prajak Mahawong of Thailand picked up the silver and bronze, respectively.
The 27th medal went to the Vietnamese shooting team in the men’s 50 meters rifle event. Wacharee Rittiwat and Orranut Klomdee gave Thailand its first track and field golds with victories in the triple jump and 100 meters respectively.
In the pool Thailand continued its strong performance when Ratapong Sirisanont won the 100 meters breaststroke. Thailand now has an overall medal tally of 64.
But it remains Vietnam’s games as the home crowd cheered its athletes to victory in cycling, rowing and karate events. Vietnam took its tally of karate gold to eleven on the third day of competition to completely dominate its rivals.
