Bangkok: Southeast Asian Games first-timer Naomi Marjorie Cesar delivered a breakthrough performance for the Philippines, capturing a gold medal in a dramatic photo finish at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at Suphachalasai National Stadium. The 16-year-old Cesar registered a time of 2:10.2 in the 800-meter event against Vietnam's Thi Thu Ha Nguyen, who settled for silver with a time of 2:10.3. Fellow Filipino Bernalyn Bejoy completed the big day for the Filipinos, securing the bronze with a time of 2:10.6.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cesar expressed her delight, stating, "It was great. I couldn't ask for a better result and I think I'm kind of shocked, but it's amazing." As the younger sister of Philippine women's football team member Malea Cesar, she added, "It feels amazing. I'm so honored to represent the country. Winning the gold is a dream come true."

Sharing the limelight was Hussein Lora±a, who clocked a minute and 48.80 seconds to claim the gold medal in men's 800 meters against crowd favorite, Thailand's Joshua Robert Atkinson, who timed 1:49.24 for the silver medal. Wan Zahari Wan Muhammad Fazri of Malaysia finished with 1:49.85 for the bronze.

Lora±a commented on his unexpected victory, "Sobrang (So) unexpected po kasi (because) I'm against Southeast Asia's fastest runner in the 800-meter and 400-meter runner as well. Sobrang 'di ko expect na mananalo sa event na 'to (I really didn't expect to win in this event)."