Fencing trio all set for Sabah meet

MIRI: Three fencing athletes Nathalia Kong Jin Xuan, Carlos Jonis and Brithney Jerome are ready to challenge their opponents at the Kian Kok Sabah Open to be held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on April 7- 8.

The 14- year- olds are from Sarawak Fencing Association and this is their first national level competition.

Nathalia was all geared up, and confident with the guidance from coach Pak Iwan Iskandar that she would deliver and perhaps win a medal in Kota Kinabalu.

“I will try my best to win a medal eventhough this is our first contest,” Nathalia told The Borneo Post before departing to Sabah yesterday.

Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting handed over the state flag to the team at the Miri Airport.

Also present were Sarawak Fencing Association president Mohamad Tinggal and coach Pak Iwan Iskandar.

Meanwhi le, Ca rlos a nd teammate Brithney admitted that they felt butterflies in their stomach, but nevertheless, they are ready for the challenge.

“I wil l use my defensive and fighting skills during the competition and if possible get a medal,” Carlos said, adding that this would be his first ever fencing competition.

Brithney meanwhile is confident that she can give her opponents a run for their money.

“We have trained hard for the last five month to boost our fighting spirit and give a better fight.

“I will be playing in the Epee event and will give my best shot to clinch a medal,” she said.

Sarawak Fencing Association president Mohamad said the trio have been training since November and the main target is to expose them in their first ever national event.

Mohamad also hoped that the trio can bring home medals for Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Ting said that this was a good starting point for the sport to set its footing in the state to be further promoted in schools.

“I’m giving my support and want more fencing athletes in years to come,” Sebastian said.