Jackie broke his national record twice, first with his second throw recording 67.49m and then with his fifth throw registering 68.22m, erasing his previous record of 67.31m.
The 27-year-old acknowledged his performance is improving and considered today’s success as a preparation for the upcoming SEA Games.
“My performance has not been at its best of late. Since I set the new record at the Korean Open, my performance had declined. Today, I feel much better. So, I am confident of doing my best at the SEA Games.
“Looking at the throws I recorded today, my chances of winning the gold in the Philippines look bright, but I still have to be careful as we never know how things will turn out,” he said when met by reporters at the National Sports Council Mini Stadium here, today.
Jackie broke the national record in the South Korean Open in June with a throw of 67.31m.
Meanwhile, national Paralympian Abdul Latif Romly, who took part in the competition with general athletes, won the long jump event with a 7.64m leap.
Abdul Latif, representing Perlis, beat Lokman Hakim Ramlan, representing the Malaysian Armed Forces (7.58m) and Muhammad Azim Abdul Kefli of Johor (7.29m) who finished with the silver and bronze respectively.
However, Abdul Latif, who managed to outdo his personal best this year, did not achieve the mark to qualify on merit to the SEA Games.