Bangkok to retain overall title

The star-studded Bangkok athletes maintained their domination of the track and field competition by collecting three gold in the men's and women's 4x100m, and the women's 4x400m, thanks largely to national sprinters who dominated the field.

Only one record fell on the final day of the action-packed athletics programme. SEA Games gold medallist and record-holder Chatchawal Polyiem, who hails from Roi Et, set a Games record of 17.31 metres in the men's shot put.

Meanwhile, Bangkok and Chiang Mai shared the honours on the penultimate day of the swimming competition with three gold apiece.

Natthanan Chankrajang, who is tipped to win the most gold medals in the Games, claimed her seventh gold in the women's 100m freestyle event with a Games record.

Natthanan, who claimed the Best Female Athlete Award at last year's SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchasima for her four-gold haul, smashed her own record of 58.13 seconds, set last year in Nakhon Si Thammarat, by coming home in 57.23.

Bangkok also made their mark in karate-do, scooping five out of six gold at stake. SEA Games gold medallist Yanisa Torrattanawattana alone helped Bangkok win three gold in the women's individual and team dancing disciplines and women's under-60 fighting event.

Bangkok athletes swept both the gold on offer in Go (Chinese chess), claimed two gold in shooting and one each in wushu, allround rhythmic gymnastics and women's kabaddi.

Si Sa Ket ruled the wrestling competition with three gold, with Chiang Rai claiming two gold in the cycling race.

Bangkok lead the medal standings with 79 gold, 48 silver and 43 bronze. Chon Buri won only two gold yesterday to trail a distant second with 25 gold. Chiang Mai and Suphan Buri are in third and fourth places with 23 and 14 gold medals respectively.