SINGAPORE — Hosts Singapore’s synchronised swimmers wrapped up their SEA Games campaign with a gold medal in the team free combination at the OCBC Aquatic Centre last night.

The Republic clinched the title with a total score of 77.0667 to finish ahead of silver medallists Malaysia (73.73333) and third-placed Indonesia (71.6667) to top the final medal standings in the sport, with two golds and one silver. Pre-Games favourites Malaysia were second overall (1-2-0), with Indonesia third (0-0-3).

Singapore national team manager Maryna Tsimashenka paid tribute to her team for rewriting Singapore’s history. “We trained really hard to achieve this. Hopefully, we can keep our position and keep on improving,” she said.

Assistant coach Katsiaryna Kulpo added: “There was no surprise. We targeted three gold medals and the whole performance was quite good.”

The SEA Games officially starts with the opening ceremony at the National Stadium tonight, and Singapore captain Stephanie Chen hopes her compatriots from the other 35 sports can carry on the momentum.

“We brought Singapore’s standard up and will continue to work hard. We are extremely proud of ourselves,” said Chen, 20. “If we have one advice for the other Singapore athletes, it would be to just give their best. We are rooting for you and enjoy your performance.”

Despite winning only one gold medal (duet technical and free routine), Malaysia’s chef de mission Norza Zakaria was happy with his country’s start. “Singapore will give their best because they are celebrating their Golden Jubilee,” he said.

“That is why we must also give our best, and I told our athletes that we need to control the situation and make a difference. That’s the spirit we want.” SHANJAYAN MUNIAPPAN