25th SEA Games, Laos

Khamla Xayavong, 21, has become the latest Lao hero after scooping three gold medals in shooting events.

Yesterday Khamla struck gold in the 10m running target mixed event.

She won the event with a score of 358, beating silver medallist Ha Dang Hong of Vietnam, who scored 353 points, while Khamla's team-mate Hongkham Xayalath took the bronze medal with a score of 352.

Khamla also bagged a silver medal in the mixed 10m running target category, scoring a total of 1,040 points.

The gold medal in this event went to Vietnam with 1,043 points, while bronze went to Thailand with 977 points.

“I am very happy and proud to win three gold medals and a silver for the home fans. In the future I will try to improve my shooting skills and hope to be a national shooter forever if the nation needs me,” said an excited Khamla.

Before picking up her third gold medal yesterday, Khamla scored 367.0 to set a new SEA Games record in the women's 10m running target event on Saturday. The previous highest score in this event was 358.0. She collected another gold medal on the same day in the women's 10m running target team event.

Now sports fans around the country are in awe of Khamla because it is the first time in Lao sporting history that one competitor has won more than one gold medal at the SEA Games.

Three gold medals is a wonderful present for Khamla as she approaches her 22nd birthday on December 30.

So far, Lao shooters have amassed three gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

Photo: Lao fans enjoy their home team’ victory
(photo: Vnexpress)

Nhan Dan Online- Lamnao Singto’s brace helped hosts Laos trounce Indonesia 2-0 in an attractive game at Chao Anuvong stadium today.

This is a first victory for Laos at the 25th SEA Games, paving the way for young Lao footballers to reach the semi-finals.

Laos started confidently and brought pressure to bear on Indonesia. In the 22nd minute Kaysone powerful shot was saved by Indonesian goalkeeper Irawan. In the 32nd minute, Sayavuthi’s strike hit the crossbar.

In a counter attack, Yudi had a chance to score but his header was blocked by Laos defender in front of the goal.

After the break, Indonesia played better, intensifying their attacks but could not breach Laos solid defence.

In the 63rd minute Toni Sucipto’s free-kick shot was over the Lao crossbar. Four minutes later Laos took the lead when Lamnao Singto scored the opener from Sayavuthi’s cross. The goal made 20,000 Lao fans at the stadium exhilirous. It was Lamnao Singto who easily scored the second goal when Indonesian goalkeeper Irawan and defender clashed.

In the last 15 minutes Indonesia put pressure on Laos but could not create any real chance to score and conceded a 2-0 loss. Playing an attack game, Laos deserved a victory.

Earlier in another match, Singapore edged Myanmar 2-1.

As a result Laos and Singapore earned four points from two matches but Laos top the table due to a better goal difference.

Huy Nam