The 47-year-old performed superbly on Adventure E at the 3Q Equestrian Centre.

He clocked the fastest time of 37.63sec in the decisive jump off without knocking a single fence down.

This proved enough to defeat defending champion and home hope Sharmini Christina Ratnasingham.

She rode Arcado L to silver in a time of 41.30.

Fellow Malaysian Mohd Qabil Ambak Mahamad Fathil took the bronze medal on 3Q Qalisya in 41.66.

It followed gold medals for Malaysia in all five other equestrian events.

Thailand also enjoyed a good day with two victories in sailing.

Siripon Kaewduang Ngam had the luxury of finishing fourth in the medal race but still triumphing in the RS One women's event at the National Sailing Centre Langkiawi.

Malaysian sailor Geh Cheow Lin had to settle for a silver medal and Nicole Lim of Singapore took bronze.

Natthaphong Phonoppharat made it a Thai windsurfing double by pipping Philippines' Geylord Covera to the gold medal in the corresponding men's event.

Malaysian Illham Wahab took he bronze medal.

Action is due to continue tomorrow.