Two-year wait for Zhi Yan pays off with taijiquan gold

HANOI: After a two-year wait to compete in international competitions, national wushu exponent Tan Zhi Yan was handsomely rewarded with a gold medal at the 31st SEA Games, here.

The 22-year-old Batu Berendam exponent last competed at the 2018 World Taijiquan Championships in Burgas, Bulgaria, when he clinched three gold medals.

Zhi Yan's career progress, however, was halted since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which even forced his SEA Games debut in Hanoi to be delayed for six months.

But, he ensured that all the time spent in waiting was put to good use and this was evident in his fine performance to capture the men's taijiquan event, with 9.71 points.

The success also ensured his coach Loh Choon How's SEA Games title won at the 2019 Philippines edition, remained in Malaysia.

"This is perfect, I was marvelled by my performance today and I was elated when I saw my name at the top. I was ready and waiting for this SEA Games for two years, and I am very eager to compete again.

"Besides, I was not under great pressure but slightly nervous today, anyway I just followed the coach's advice to display a good performance," he said after the prize-giving ceremony at Cau Giay Gymnasium here, today.

Zhi Yan also hopes to fare well in the taijijian event tomorrow.

Meanwhile, another debutant Clement Ting Su Wei, 24, who triumphed in the men's changquan event after scoring 7.90 points, was surprised to achieve the gold.

"I didn't target medal, I just follow the routine step by step, as usual. I am very delighted with the gold," the Sibu-born said.

Meanwhile, Calvin Lee Wai Leong, who also competed in the SEA Games for the first time, took the silver in the men's nandao with 9.68 points.

-- BERNAMA