MALAYSIAN UPDATED. Malaysian wushu back up squad exponent Phoon Eyin caused a pleasant surprise and created her own history by winning the country's 1,000th gold medal of the SEA Games since 1959.The gold, wushu's third in the 27th Myanmar SEA Games, was clinched by Phoon from the women's Qiangshu gold medal at the Wunna Theidki A Indoor Stadium after collecting 9.67 points with her energetic performance, although she was not a target for a medal in the Games.
Her performance pushed pre-games favourite Thuy Vi Duong from Vietnam into second place despite polling 9.59 points for her equally splendid performance while Indonesia's Thalia Lovita Sosrodjojo took the bronze with 9.40 points.
In today's overall action, wushu picked up one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.The silver medal was contributed by Ho Mun Hua from the men's Nando after collecting 9.68 points while Diana Bong Siong Lin (women's Nangun) and Ng Say Yoke (men's Daoshu) brought in the bronze medals.
A clearly surprised Phoo who made her debut, was not only jubilant but was in a state of shock when her score was displayed and later declared the winner.
"I am totally overwhelmed by the occasion. I really don't have words to describe my happiness. I just went in and did my normal routine like how my coach had instructed," said the lass from Negeri Sembilan.
"Since this is the 1,000th gold medal for the country since 1959, this gold medal, I dedicate it to all Malaysians and especially to my teammates and everyone in the team for helping and supporting me," said the Bukit Jalil Sports School student.
"My next 'gold' is to achieve good results in my SPM exam because to me studies and sports are equally important. I am actually aiming for 3As."
Meanwhile, National wushu coach Yoong Thong Foong said he too was pleasantly surprised by Phoo's outstanding performance.
"Phoo is a very dedicated student and talented," he said.
bernama.com.my
