SEA Games

Hoàng Nguyên Thanh is top marathoner of Việt Nam. He will defend his SEA Games title today in Siem Reap, Cambodia. — VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI — As jui-jitsu athletes failed to bring the first gold medal for Việt Nam, Hoàng Nguyên Thanh will take on the task early today in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia.

The defending champion, who has been diligently training in the locality for two and a half weeks, aims to use his familiarity with the route and the weather to his advantage and secure his place atop the podium once again.

“It is hot in Siem Reap but quite similar to my home town of Bình Phước, so I am used to it, although it is still an obstacle to overcome," Thanh told the Việt Nam News.

"The route is beautiful, fresh and green as it was in the middle of the forest leading to the famous Angkor Wat. The terrain is relatively flat, with only slight slopes, so it is convenient for all athletes."

Thanh is one of Việt Nam's golden hope at the regional sports meet, where the team target a top-three finish. His task is also to help the athletics team to maintain the leading position in the region, the place that they have clinched for three Games in a row.

“I feel the high pressure, and I also consider it my strong force, a lever and an opportunity to lift me out of difficulties and push me faster, leaving my rivals behind," said Thanh.

Speaking about his rivals, Thanh said Indonesian runners were tough, and he will have to keep an eye on those from the Philippines, who were naturalised from Japan.

“My main rivals will be familiar faces, and the most difficult ones will be from Indonesia, who are strong and furious runners," said Thanh, referring to 2019 SEA Games winner Agus Prayogo.

The 28-year-old finished second after Thanh last year with a gap of 30 seconds.

Prayogo set a personal best of 2hr 21.09min seven years ago in a tournament in Australia.

"I also worry a little about naturalised Japanese athletes of the Philippines," said Thanh. "Things will be more difficult for me as I am a target to beat. All competitors will be well prepared to take the No. 1 place. So I ask myself to stay awake and calmly assess the opponent on every kilometre."

Hoàng Nguyên Thanh runs ahead of Agus Prayogo of Indonesia and Tony Payne of Thailand at the 31st SEA Games' marathon event. He is to meet these rivals at this May Games in Cambodia.

Another powerful runner is bronze medallist Tony Payne. However, his participation at this year's Games is in doubt after he broke a rib in an accident.

Payner holds the Thai national record of 2:16.56, set in 2018. He participated in the 2019 Games but did not finish because of injury.

If he can defend his title, Thanh will be the second marathoner to win the title two times in a row. The first one is Soh Rui Yong of Singapore, who won in the 2015 and 2017 Games.

Yong also competes this May but runs in the 5,000m and 10,000m events.

Thanh, whose fastest result is 2:25.78, set at the last Games, has his second target of setting a new national record.

"I want to break the record in all tournaments," he said. "I know it is also my supporters' expectation. I believe that I will make it sooner or later."

The time to beat is 2:21.51, set by Nguyễn Chí Đông at the 22nd SEA Games in Hà Nội 20 years ago. — VNS