Farah, Ing Yueh and Rachel aim to reach finals in Chongqing

PETALING JAYA: Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, Tan Ing Yueh and Rachel Yeoh Li Wen will spearhead Malaysia’s challenge in the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Chongqing, China, next month.

National coach Ng Shu Wai said the girls can expect a tough time at the world meet.

Farah will be taking part in her pet events – uneven bar and floor – while Ing Yueh will look to prove herself in the vault, balance beam and floor events.

Rachel will be making her charge in the uneven bar event.

“Our target is to see these girls getting into the finals of their respective events,” said Shu Wai.

“Training is going well, and it must go well because we have important tournaments coming up after the World Cup.

“They have to peak now if they want to qualify for the Olympics and do well in the SEA Games.

“The other competitions are the Singapore Open, Asian Championships in Mongolia, Universiade Games in Italy and the World Championships in Germany.”

The outing in China will not be an audition for the SEA Games as Shu Wai said the selection for the Games in Manila would be held in September.

“The World Cup is good for us to learn and improve our routines. It may not offer any Olympic points, but that does not mean we have to take it easy. The girls are prepared to do their best in China. They all aim to get into the finals of their events.”

Shu Wai did say that due to the Ramadan (fasting) month, he had to alter the training methods for the girls who are fasting.

“Training is usual, but their training load has been reduced. Girls who are fasting will train in the morning.”