The Malaysian sprint expert shattered his national record of the 1km time trial for the second time this year and promised that he would renew it in the coming Asiad.

Hafiz Sufian clocked in a blistering 1:05.924 at the Oceania Championships in Melbourne two days ago, which gave him some confidence to challenge his main rival--Chinese cyclist Feng Yong in Doha.

"Looking at Feng Yong's records, he was clocking in the 1:03.0slast year, but has clocked slower and slower times this year, which could mean he's on the decline," said Hafiz.

From nowhere last year, Hafiz now stands third among Asian Games contenders and sets his eyes on at least the bronze medal, with South Korea's Asian champion Kang Dong Jin who clocked in 1:03.808s in the UCI World Cup in Sydney last week, starting as favorite.

The 20-year old was never expected to be a medal contender in Doha, but after Melbourne's showing it could prove otherwise.

"Kang Dong Jin is too far ahead and I think he'll be a sure bet for the gold. It now looks like it's a three-way battle for the silver or bronze, and I'm feeling good for one of those," said Hafiz, who was interviewed by Malaysian local media two days ago.

"Oikawa's times are within striking distance as I feel I am in good form to shave about half a second more off my times at least. That would mean low 1:05.00s times or maybe late 1:04.00s times, which will give me a fighting chance for the bronze in Doha." added Hafiz.

The 15th Asian Games cycling competition will be held from December 3 to 14.