VICTORIOUS MAX SEEKS PERFECTION

Gold already in bag, but S'porean wants to win remaining races to make it 16 out of 16

- Melvyn Teoh

On the quiet Jomtien Beach where a few holiday makers lay sunbathing, a loud cheer broke the tranquillity as Maximilian Maeder, the SEA Games kitefoiling champion, arrived on the shore.

There was much for the Singaporean supporters to be happy about, for the 19-year-old had secured the gold on Dec 16 with a day to spare after a perfect run in 12 races.

There are four more races on Dec 17, but the Games debutant has an unassailable lead over his rivals with nine points from 12 races (after three discards).

Thailand's Joseph Weston sits second on 18 points, ahead of Warner Janoya (27) of the Philippines and Indonesia's Wayan Wiranatha (35).

He said after the day's races: "I will be competing on the last day and I will finish all the races and I will be a sportsman. You will see me out on the water tomorrow and yes, I will be trying my very best to get all those wins.

"I think it's very special and it's different from other international competitions, because this is a Games environment...

"It feels special because of that, and I think that's why these Games environments are so meaningful, because you get to experience that pressure, that stake, that anxiety and, if you're lucky, that reward."