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Published on September 23, 2007

Chariya, who also had the all-around individual title under her belt, neatly combined her skills with graceful dancing to win the rope, hoop and clubs divisions.

Despite such an outstanding feat, Chariya, who was named the sport's best athlete in the event, remained humble. She said she still had plenty of room to improve before the selection trials for the SEA Games, which will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima in December.

Powerhouses Bangkok also had a fairly remarkable achievement in the bodybuilding competition, claiming three out of eight medals at stake on the day through Worakorn Vongkornmuang, Prab Paramaphuti and Piphop Suksathien in the men's middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight classes, respectively.

The capital's rugby team lived up to their billing in the men's seven-a-side event by winning the gold medal. The Bangkokians, however, were taken to the limit by Nakhon Ratchasima before edging home by only two points, at 7-5.

The big upset was in the team event of the snooker competition, where Saraburi's A team - including high-profile star Atthasit Mahitthi - blew away a 3-0 advantage before suffering a shocking 4-3 reverse to the province's B team, inspired by the consistent Wanchana Pumjang.

As Bangkok are already virtually the overall champions at the Games with 94 golds, the focus was turned to the battle for the runners-up spot, with three teams - Chiang Mai, who stayed second with 26 golds, Suphan Buri and Chon Buri - being separated by no more than a two-medal margin.

A total of 32 gold medals are on offer today, a large proportion of them in the weightlifting.

Kitinan Sanguansak

 The Nation