The STAR Online:

What an incredible ride to the top. ‘Pocket Rocketman’ Azizulhasni Awang finally claimed the rainbow jersey (winner’s jersey) he had been eyeing the whole of his illustrious career with a stunning display of speed in the Track Cycling World Championships in Hong Kong.

The 29-year-old timed his last sprint to perfection to win the keirin final last night by a comfortable margin to create history for Malaysia.

Azizul finished ahead of in-form Colombian Fabian Hernando Puerta Zapata and Czech Babek Thomas to become the new world champion for men’s keirin.He is also Malaysia’s first world champion athlete in an Olympic sport.

The Rio Olympic bronze medallist rider was the only Asian to reach the top-six final and he gave little indication of his form when he earned his ticket earlier.

Azizul only finished third behind reigning Commonwealth Games champion Matthew Glaetzer of Australia and Thomas, a two-time World Cup winner this season in the second round heat. He had earlier finished second in his first round heat behind Zapata to earn an automatic ticket to the second round.