SINGAPORE: The juniors and seniors joined hands to save Malaysia the blushes on the fourth day of the swimming competition at the OCBC Aquatic Centre.
The men's 4x100m freestyle quartet anchored by Daniel Bego claimed silver in a new national record time.
The freestyle quartet of Alywn Tan, Welson Sim, Lim Ching Hwang and Daniel were the only Malaysians who had pool action and they did not disappoint the small group of enthusiastic Malaysian supporters.
The foursome completed the race in 3:25.55, erasing the previous national record of 3:26.98 set at the last Games in Myanmar two years ago.
Vernon Lee, Welson, Ching Hwang and Daniel swam at that time and took the silver. It was again a Joseph Schooling-powered Singapore who won comfortably in a new Games record of 3:19.59, breaking their previous record of 3:21.74 set in Myanmar.
The 17-year-old Alwyn, who replaced Vernon this time, was pleased to stand on the podium in his SEA Games debut.
"I knew beating Singapore would be impossible as they are a class above at the moment.
"We were hoping to get a medal but we know it's tougher to defend the medal.
"I am satisfied we got it in the end," said Penang-born Alwyn, who finished fourth in the 50m freestyle final on Monday.
It is the second silver for 18-year-old Welson and the Sarawak swimmer is now aiming to swim his heart out in the 400m freestyle on Thursday. He has the best qualifying time of 3:53.92 among the 14 swimmers in the start list.
Welson swam in the silver medal-winning 200m freestyle relay squad and has a bronze to show from the 200m freestyle on Sunday.
"I have a day's rest and I will go all out in my last event," said Welson, the Malaysian Schools Sports Council Sportsboy winner for 2014.
Daniel, who is also swimming in the 400m freestyle, proved he can still contribute to Malaysian swimming at the age of 26.
Yesterday, Malaysia had dropped behind to fourth but the former SEA Games multiple gold medallist swam a strong anchor leg to secure the silver medal.
"We have known each other for a while. I've seen them grow up, so we know each other well. It would be disappointing not to get a medal tonight," said Daniel, who is also from Sarawak. Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Anh Vien and Singapore's Schooling continued to rule the pool with new Games records.
The 18-year-old Nguyen took her golden tally to six as she won the 200m butterfly and 200m freestyle races.
While the 19-year-old Schooling claimed an impressive win in the 100m butterfly event and still had plenty in the tank for the 4x200m freestyle relay, making it a perfect six out of six races he has participated in so far.
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