Kuala lumpur: Muhammad Haziq Mohamad Akhir edged a thrilling finish in one of the closest races of the day to claim the men's 200 metres title at the Malaysia Open Athletics Championships, winning by just 0.01 seconds at the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Stadium here today. The 23-year-old Team Malaysia University sprinter stopped the clock at 21.38 seconds to narrowly beat Sabah's Muhammad Muzaffarshah Abdul Sahidu, who finished in 21.39 seconds. Kedah's Muhammad Umaira Subri secured the bronze medal with a time of 21.59 seconds.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhammad Haziq, competing in the 200m event at the championships for the first time, did not surpass his season's personal best of 21.01 seconds, which he set at the Varsity Track and Field Championships in Terengganu in June. Despite this, the Selangor-born athlete expressed that the win was particularly significant as it marked his first podium finish at the Malaysia Open.

The victory is expected to enhance his confidence as he prepares for the ASEAN University Games (AUG) 2026, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur from December 10-20. Muhammad Haziq expressed his pride and gratitude for this achievement, stating, "For me, this is a major championships. I am extremely proud and thankful because this is my first medal at the Malaysia Open. Insya-Allah, I consider this a starting point for future championships."

Meanwhile, Terengganu's Izzatul Musfirah Ahmad Kamal Azira, who narrowly missed out on the 100m gold by 0.01 seconds the previous day, delivered a strong performance to claim the 200m title with a time of 24.62 seconds. Franceine Jhobie Rosario of the Philippines earned the silver medal, finishing in 25.01 seconds, while her compatriot, Nur Aliya Najihah Muda, took the bronze with a time of 25.19 seconds.