The last time Malaysia won the men’s singles title was in 1973 through Punch Gunalan. Roslin’s triumph yesterday was also Malaysia’s second in the competition. On Tuesday, the men’s team scored an upset 3-2 win over Indonesia to take the gold medal.

Roslin Hasim gives thanks after winning the singles gold

Roslin shed his usual stroke play in the second game and with a flurry of smashes raced to a 9-2 lead. The attacking strategy worked well and Roslin dropped another point before wrapping up the game.

After the win, the relief and delight on Roslin face was obvious as he hugged coach Misbun Sidek before racing up the stands to greet his family.

“I’m so happy … it has been a long wait (for the singles gold) … I don’t know what to say,’’ said Roslin after the 47-minute match.

After composing himself, he added: “This win makes up for my loss in the team event and I dedicate this win to all who has helped and believed in me. This is the only way I know how to repay them.’’

The women’s pair of Lim Pek Siah-Ang Li Peng failed in their bid to win the gold medal. They went down fighting at 5-15, 15-4, 9-15 to Deyana Lomban-Vita Marissa of Indonesia in the final.

The women’s singles title remained elusive to Indonesian Lidya Djaelwijaya, who was making her third appearance in the Games. She was beaten 8-11, 7-11 by Thailand’s E. Sujitra.

The men’s doubles and mixed doubles finals were all-Indonesian affairs. In the men’s final, Candra Wijaya-Sigit Budiarto easily brushed aside Tony Gunawan-Bambang Suprinato 15-4, 15-6. The mixed doubles title went to Nova Widhianto-Vita Marissa, who beat Bambang-Emma Ermawati 3-15, 15-7, 17-15.