Brunei had a bad day at the office yesterday with the national athletes not able to make an impact in Day Three of competition at the Asian Para Games in Guangzhou, China.

Five national para athletes challenged the region's best in their respective track and field events, but the challenge proved too tough for them.

John Vianni Anak Chandau and Rosli Hj Hastan were not able to throw themselves onto the podium in the F44 men's javelin event at the Aoti Main Stadium yesterday morning.

John Vianni and Rosli threw a distance of 35.79 metres and 33.19m respectively to place in seventh and eighth from a total of 10 participants.

Gao Mingjie made hosts China proud by claiming a world record with his throw of 58.53m. Compatriot Gao Changlong took silver (54.26m), while bronze went to Iran's Ali Omidi.

The Sultanate's lone para athlete at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, Alihan Muda, finished at 13th in a field of 17 competitors after his best attempt of 20.71m in the F34 men's discus throw.

Hani Alnakhli of Saudi Arabia set a world record with his throw of 29.70m. Iranians Jalal Khakzadiyeh (39.68m) and Siamak Saleh Farajzadeh, who threw a season best of 38.26m, took home the silver and bronze medals respectively.

Meanwhile, over in the track events, Martin Dawat was disqualified from Heat Four of the T12 men's 100m for a false start.

Razali Subi, on the other hand, will continue his fight in the T44 men's 200m after he clocked 27.29 seconds in the semi-finals.

Though he finished 5th of seven runners in the heat, his time was good enough to grant him a berth in the final to be contested today.

The 23-year-old runner will also compete in the T44 men's 100m semi-finals today.

"Most of our athletes were not able to perform to their best, except for Razali, who recorded a personal best, and will compete in the final. The cold temperature today (Thursday) at five degrees Celcius affected our athletes, who are not used to such a weather," said Brunei chef de mission Hj Rosmadee Hj Md Daud, when contacted by The Brunei Times, yesterday.

Courtesy from Brunei Times