Look Xin Qi of NUS came in first with a timing of 5 minutes 11.94 seconds. (Photo 1 © Wayne Sim/Red Sports)
ITE College East (Simei), 26 January 2013, Saturday – Look Xin Qi and Clara Wong, both of the National University of Singapore (NUS), finished first and second respectively in the women’s 1500m final at the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Track and Field Championships.
Xin Qi crossed the finish line first in 5 minutes 11.94 seconds while Clara clocked 5:14:45.
Chua Khai Leng of the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) rounded off the top three with a 5:17.67 timing.
From the moment the gun sounded, Xin Qi took the lead, with Clara, Khai Leng and Cheryl Chan of Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) following close behind. Xin Qi had taken part in the 2012 edition of the ASEAN University Games, clocking a personal best of 5:04.67, a probable explanation for the rest allowing her to take the lead.
The front pack crossed the first round in 81s, on track for a time of 5:03. Xin Qi tried to shrug off the following pack of runners who were simply making use of her pacing, but they clung on tightly.
Cheryl did not keep up with the increase in pace, dropping back as her older compatriots gradually slipped out of her reach. The front pack, now just Xin Qi, Clara and Khai Leng, crossed the second lap in 84s. It was clear that this race was heading for a sprint finish, with timing a secondary priority, as the front pack was still bunched tightly together.
As the final bell rung, Xin Qi and Clara upped their tempo, with Khai Leng fading away with 300m to go. All eyes were now on Clara to see what move she would make, as Xin Qi is known for her fast sprint finish.
Clara opened up her strides for the last 250m but Xin Qi responded to this challenge quickly, switching to top gear and pulling away from Clara for the last 200m. Xin Qi eventually stopped the clock at 5:11.94, with Clara close behind in 5:14.45.
Khai Leng, who finished third, was satisfied with her performance, exclaiming happily: “I haven’t really been focusing on track for quite some time now, so it’s quite a decent timing!”
This being Clara’s first 1500m race, she was reasonably happy with her performance.
“My only regret was me forgetting Xin Qi’s powerful kick, waiting for the last stretch before making a move,” said Clara.
Xin Qi and Khai Leng will meet again in the 800m final next week, while Clara is signed up for the 3000m.
1500m Final Results
1st Look Xin Qi (National University of Singapore) — 5:11.94
2nd Wong Wan Qi Clara (National University of Singapore) — 5:14.45
3rd Chua Khai Leng (Nanyang Technological University) — 5:17.67
4th Cheryl Chan (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) — 5:27.77
5th Liaw Jiayi (Singapore Management Universiy) — 5:37.70
6th Ng Qiao Feng Jolynn (Singapore Polytechnic)— 5:38.16
7th Cheng Si’ Jia (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) — 5:38.57
8th Zhang Xiao (Nanyang Technological University) — 5:39.06
9th Alicia Er (Nanyang Polytechnic) — 5:53.58
10th Chong Pei Qi (Nanyang Polytechnic) — 5:54.41
11th Natalie Tiong (Singapore Institute of Management) — 5:55.58
12th Lynette Lioh (Singapore Institute of Management) — 5:57.07
13th Yeo Xing Jie (Temasek Polytechnic) — 6:18.52
14th Choo Jia Hui (Singapore Management University) — 6:24.63
15th Lim Jia Wen (Temasek Polytechnic) — 6:37.40
[…] College East (Simei), Saturday, February 2, 2013 — After winning the 1500m title the previous week, Look Xin Qi of the National University of Singapore (NUS) was crowned the […]