Contributed by Ryan Quek
Valerie Tan (right) in action against Anastasia Karpova in the Epee final. The former Singapore Sports School student won the gold. (Photo 1 courtesy of Fencing Singapore)
Republic Polytechnic, Friday, February 25, 2011 — Singaporeans Valerie Tan and Yeo Meili won gold respectively in the Epee and Sabre finals on the second day of the Cadet World Cup.
Singapore Women’s sabreurs Yeo Meili and Charlotte Teo both came from behind in their respective semi-final matches against strong opposition from Hong Kong on day two of the Cadet World Cup.
Against Ho Chau Yu, Charlotte, who was one point away from defeat at 14-4, reeled off 11 points in a row to snatch victory in a nail-biting finish.
In the second semi-final, Meili came back from the brink after surrendering her early advantage to win 15-14. In the all-Singapore final, Meili showed better composure and rhythm at the critical moments to emerge triumphant with a 15-12 scoreline.
The final event of the night, saw yet another all-Singapore final, this time in the Epee event. National cadet fencer Valerie Tan overcame stiff resistance from Anastasia Karpova, a representative of a Singapore fencing club.
Valerie, a former Sports School student, said: “Winning this event means so much to me and to win it on the last point of the match made it even more special!”
National Women’s Epee Coach Zhao Zhizhong was pleased with Valerie’s performance.
“Valerie showed that she could turn in strong performances like today and if she continues to work hard, I believe she can challenge the senior fencers in the near future.”
Unfortunately, the Men’s foil fencers from Singapore could not replicate the successes of their female counterparts. Justin Ong, Singapore’s Youth Olympic Games representative, overcame a slow start to qualify for the quarter-finals where he met the top seed Chueng Ka Long.
After stealing an early lead, Justin could not fend off the Hong Konger’s sustained attacks and sound defence.
Justin, who was visibly disappointed said: “I wanted to do well in this cadet world cup as its my second time competing as well as my last chance in this age group. I have been faring well in other international competitions prior to this competition so its a bit of a surprise i didn’t do as well as I should. However, all credit to my opponent who did very well.”
Justin, who just won the National Cadet Trials last week, added: “I will go back to work on improving myself and hopefully look forward to better performances for the rest of the year.”
Hong Kong fencers swept all men’s foil medals with Tang Pui Ting from Hong Kong Fencing School placing first out of 48 fencers.
Epee Individual
1 CHEUNG Hoi Long HKG Gold
2 LEE Tin Hang HKG Silver
3 HO Sze Hou HKG Bronze
3 WONG Tsz Ho Bronze
Women’s Foil Individual
1 WONG Liane Ye Ying SIN Gold
2 YEO Lynn SIN Silver
3 LIM Qi Hui SIN Bronze
4 LEE Thalia Ping SIN Bronze
Men’s Sabre Individual
1 LAU Cheung Kang HKG Gold
2 MAK Ho Fung HKG Silver
3 TSANG Tsz Hin HKG Bronze
3 WONG Tzer Chyuan MAS Bronze
Women’s Epee Individual
1 TAN Valerie Fu Fang SIN Gold
2 KARPOVA Anastasia SIN Silver
3 WALLACE Shawn SIN Bronze
3 CHONG Celine Rui Yun SIN Bronze
Men’s Foil Individual
1 TANG Pui Ting HKG Gold
2 LEUNG Sing Ho HKG Silver
3 CHEUNG Ka Long HKG Bronze
4 CHAN Wun Sang HKG Bronze
Women’s Sabre Individual
1 YEO Mei Li SIN Gold
2 TEO Charlotte Li Ling SIN Silver
3 CHEUNG Hiu Tong HKG Bronze
4 HO Chau Yu HKG Bronze
Yeo Meili (right) saw off the challenge of Charlotte Teo in an all-Singaporean Sabre final to win gold. (Photo 2 courtesy of Fencing Singapore)
Yeo Meili is a nice player…..
i like his fencing….
Sorry its Her not *His…..