SINGAPORE: Singapore struck gold the third time at the inaugural Asian Youth Games (AYG) as swimmer Lynette Lim powered ahead in the girls' 400-metre freestyle competition.

It was the first gold in the swimming competition which started on Thursday evening.

16-year-old Lim took an early lead and was soon far ahead of the pack. She finished the event in 4:14.25, more than six seconds ahead of her nearest competitor, Benjaporn Sriphano from Thailand.

Singapore won its second gold medal earlier Thursday, thanks again to kegler New Hui Fen.

It is deja-vu for New, as she claimed her second AYG gold medal in two days. This time, she partnered Darshini Krishna to win gold in the Girls' Doubles bowling event.

The duo scored 2,680 pinfalls, 101 clear of closest rivals Thailand. The Singaporeans were a tough pair to beat, having led the scoreboard through all six games.

The latest victory was certainly no lucky strike for 16-year-old New, who had won the Girls' Singles title a day earlier.

New said: "As the event goes on, I feel more confident about the game, about my opponents, and I enjoy (bowling with) my teammate. We just had to do our best... - nothing but 100 per cent."

Darshini said: "I'm very excited as it's my first time bowling in a major game and winning a gold in doubles."

The Thai pair of Sathean Tanaprang and Saebe Yanee had a relatively slow start, but they eventually secured the silver, while South Korea's Oh Nu-Ri and Sim Ui-Jin, who played a steady game throughout the event, settled for the bronze.

Singapore's Boys Team also performed well, earning a bronze in the Doubles event.

- CNA/ir