Loh signs off in style, eyes coaching role

KUCHING: National exponent Loh Jack Chang wrapped up his wushu career by winning two gold and one silver medals at the 3rd World Taijiquan Championships in Burgas, Bulgaria on Tuesday.

The Miri-born Loh won the gold in the 42- style taijiquan and 42style taijijian while the silver came from the Sun style taijiquan.

His teammate from Kuching, Audrey Chan Yee Jo also had an impressive outing where she won three silver medals in the Wu style taijiquan, optional taijijian and 42-style taijiquan.

The duo helped the Malaysian team reap nine gold, nine silver and one bronze medals at the world meet.

“I feel amazing and grateful,” Loh said after delivering the gold for Malaysia.

“It’s always been an honour to represent and fight for my country.

“I am so happy of being able to sign off my professional wushu career with great results.

“And let’s see if there is an opportunity to serve as a coach and I am looking forward to it,” Loh told the Borneo Post.

Loh also made amends for the Asian Games disappointment in Indonesia in August, where Malaysia failed to win any gold medal.

Overall, he was satisfied with his performance in Burgas.

“I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who have supported me,” he added.

“Thank you Malaysia and I hope I can continue to contribute in the future,” said Loh, who won two gold medals at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in 2017.

Meanwhile, Wushu Federation of Sarawak deputy president James Ting Ing Seek was happy with the duo’s performance, saying that they had done Sarawak and Malaysia proud.

“This is quite a good result when compared to the last world meet in Poland where we won eight gold, four silver and three bronze medals.

“They (Jack Chang and Audrey) have competed

among the best taiji athletes in the world and prevailed in the tough and high standard competition,” he said. “As for Audrey, I believe she has gained a lot of exposure and confidence to face future international competitions. “She has great potential to go far in wushu,” added Ting. Audrey will next take part in the 2nd World Wushu Taolu Championships in Burma from Nov 17 to 18.

It’s always been an honour to represent and fight for the country. Loh Jack Chang, wushu exponent

Loh performs the routine in the 42-style taijijian event.

— Photos courtesy of Dr WS Chen Loh (second left) and Audrey (right, front row) and teammates with coach Tan Ching Fong (third right) and International Wushu Federation photographer Dr WS Chen (left) at the end of the World Taijiquan Championships in Burgas, Bulgaria on Tuesday.