Frost, who took over as Malaysian coach last year, decided to leave out pro players from Nusa Club started by the famed Sidek brothers, of whom only Rashid is playing now. Wong came in as last minute substitute and this morning won the individual gold medal.

With top seed Ong Ewe Hock injured in the Games, Yong Hock Kin became the favourite as tension mounted whether Malaysia would win the singles gold they so badly wanted as a matter of national pride. The 21-year-old Wong, who beat India's Pullela Gopi Chand in the semi-finals, beat Yong 10-15, 15-12, 15-6 for his first win over his teammate.

Wong dropped the first game at 10, and Yong looked on his way to gold as he came back from 8-12 to 12-all in one swoop. And then Wong took over as Yongfaltered with two rallies at the net. Wong won the game on his first game point 15-12 and then dominated the third game. Wong went to 12-5 and then won 15-6, as Yong seen by the Malaysians as a future world champion, looked thoroughly beaten.

Choong Tan Fook anad Lee Wan Wah won 15-7, 15-4 win over teammates Cheah Soon Kit and Yap Kim Hock in the men's doubles.