Malaysian superstar Azizulhasni Awang snatched victory from local hero Matthew Richardson in a dramatic final to the men’s keirin event at the UCI’s Track World Cup event in Perth.

The Pocket Rocketman, who needed the repechages to get through the first round, had been drawn directly behind Richardson in the line-up. When the British rider hit the accelerator with two laps remaining, Awang knew his ticket to victory was to cling to the 200m world record holder’s rear wheel.

Richardson, riding on his childhood track, seemed to have it won: into the last lap, he powered out of corner two, edging ahead of world number one Leigh Hoffman in the back straight. But Awang, now 38 years old – and supposedly on his farewell tour?! – was ready. He couldn’t… could he?

Richardson and Hoffman entered the home straight shoulder to shoulder; with Hoffman fading, the odds surely favoured the new European champion.

Awang left it to the very last moment before emerging from Richardson’s shadow into the wind. Richardson could see the line approaching ahead: clearly aware of the attack on his outside, he dipped his head – too early, perhaps? – to thrust the bike an extra inch forwards.

Awang was arriving fast on his outside – and timed his throw to perfection.

The TV graphics initially gave it to Richardson: but Awang was in no doubt, and he soon had the photo finish image as confirmation.

It’s a remarkable return to the very top for the former world champion, now based in Melbourne, who has been teasing his retirement for some time now.

Awang’s fame in Malaysia is comparable to soccer stars like David Beckham in England, or Lionel Messi in Argentina.

Local fans have been warned that the upcoming Track World Cup event in Nilai will be their last chance to see their national hero competing in ‘a big race on home turf’.

And it sets up a dramatic final chapter to the Netflix documentary telling his life story: ‘The Pulse’ is due for release later this year.