Azizulhasni's world championship medal hopes boosted following Richardson exit

KUALA LUMPUR: Azizulhasni Awang's chances of claiming his first world championship podium finish since 2020 have improved after Great Britain's sprinter Matthew Richardson was removed from the ongoing Shanghai world meet. British Cycling confirmed Richardson's withdrawal, though they did not specify the reason. A previous report suggested Richardson was accused of serious misconduct, but he acknowledged his withdrawal and stated he would cooperate with British Cycling's procedures.

Richardson, who holds the current world record over 200 meters, expressed contrition for any affected parties. Richardson's absence creates opportunities for Azizulhasni in the men's individual sprint and keirin events. Dutch cyclist Harrie Lavreysen is the favorite for both events, having won four gold medals at last year's Santiago World Championships.

Despite being older, Azizulhasni has been in exceptional form this season, winning two keirin gold medals in the UCI World Cup series and both the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The last time Malaysia won a medal at the world championships was during the 2020 Berlin edition, when Azizulhasni secured two bronze medals in the keirin and individual sprint events. The next men's keirin event will take place in Shanghai tomorrow.