This is no dream, Son
Wushu exponent takes world title after SEA Games letdown
PETALING JAYA: It’s a good thing that wushu exponent Wong Weng Son never gave up chasing his dream.
Now, he’s a world champion.
Weng Son won the men’s jianshu (sword) at the World Wushu Championships in Kazan, Russia on Sunday.
Weng Son, a gold medallist at last year’s Taolu World Cup and Asian Championships, posted 9.64 points.
South Korea’s Lee Ha-sung (9.60) took silver while Malaysia’s Yeap Wai Kin (9.53) settled for bronze.
Negri Sembilan-born Weng Son is the fifth Malaysian athlete to win gold at a world meet this year after track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang, woman diver Cheong Jun Hoong, and para athletes Ziyad Zolkefli and Abdul Latif Romly.
“I did not win a gold medal at the KL SEA Games but I did not give up. I knew I couldn’t afford to stop training because the world meet was around the corner.
Weng Son could only manage two silvers in jianshu and qianshu (spear) at the KL SEA Games in August – losing to Wai Kin both times.
“So, it was important to me to prove that I can deliver the goods.
“This win means a lot to me as it’s my first and I’m happy that my good friend was able to stand on the podium with me. We are proud to carry Malaysia’s flag,” said Weng Son, who stands to collect RM80,000 for his feat in the biennial world meet under the National Sports Council (NSC) incentive scheme.
“I’d like to thank the NSC, National Sports Institute (NSI) and Wushu Federation of Malaysia for giving me the chance to compete in the world meet,” said the 25-year-old Weng Son.
Tan Cheong Min, who is making her debut in the world meet, capped a fine performance to collect 9.59 points in women’s nangun (southern style) for a bronze medal.
China’s He Jianxin won with a 9.62 total, followed by Indonesia’s Juwita Niza Wasni (9.60).
South-East Asia had another winner when Lindswell Kwok retained her women’s taijiquan world title for Indonesia with 9.67 points.
Malaysia’s Audrey Chan Yee Jo was seventh with 9.60.
Ho Mun Hua, who delivered Malaysia’s first medal at the world meet by taking silver in men’s nangun (cudgel) on Saturday, failed to make an impact in the nanquan event.
The KL SEA Games gold medallist could only finish 11th with 9.54 points.
Malaysia have won one gold, one silver and two bronzes at the world meet – with two days to go.