Rayna claims unexpected bronze at Asian Championships

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's junior gymnast, Rayna Hoh Khai Ling claimed an unexpected bronze medal at the ongoing 16th Junior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championship yesterday.

In the event held at the Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur Sports City, the 15-year-old Rayna accumulated 54.550 points in the individual all-around competition.

As expected, Uzbekistan's Ekatarina Fetisova claimed the gold medal with 57.000 points, while her team-mate Lola Zakirova took the silver with 55.650 points.

The other Malaysian in event among 16 gymnasts was Iris Hoo Xin En who settled in the 15th place with 46.550 points.

“I did not expect that I could win a medal as the competition is very tough. I have tried my best and I can't complain.

“...I could have done better. My best performance was in 2016 at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Namibia, where I won four golds and one silver,” said the Convent Bukit Nanas student.

Rayna's next assignment would be the individual apparatus finals today.

“I did not set any targets. I just want to give my best performance. I want to give the best and a clean routine,” she said.

In yesterday's competition, Rayna posted 13.850 points in her hoop apparatus and accumulated 14.300 points in the ball apparatus.

While in the clubs and ribbon, Rayna posted 13.200 points each for a total 54.550 points.

However, the Malaysian junior gymnasts missed a bronze medal in the five-ropes group event when they finished in fourth place after accumulating 11.950 points.

China took the gold medal with 14.850 points, while Kazakhstan and Japan claimed the silver and bronze with 13.100 and 12.350 points respectively. Bernama