‘Higher degree of difficulty’ for gold without Ing Yueh

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s chances of fighting hosts Vietnam and the Philippines for gold in women’s artistic gymnastics in the Hanoi SEA Games took a severe knock with Tan Ing Yueh (pic) and Zarith Imaan Khalid being dropped due to injuries.

Gold medal prospect Ing Yueh suffered a knee injury in training and it turned out to be the dreaded anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear while newcomer Zarith came down with an achilles tendon injury.

Team manager Foong Kok Seng said despite losing the experienced Ing Yueh and Zarith, they were still sticking to their target of winning at least one gold medal in Hanoi.

Ing Yueh, a two-time gold medallist at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, was to lead following the retirement of Tracie Ang and Farah Ann Hadi recently but in her absence, Rachel Yeoh and newcomer Geanie Ng Ee Ling will carry the medal hopes for Malaysia.

“It’s a blow to us to lose Ing Yueh. She hurt her knee in training during a dismount two weeks ago,” said Kok Seng, a former national gymnast from Penang.

“The scan revealed that she tore her ACL and went for surgery two days ago while Zarith had an achilles tendon injury.

Kok Seng said the team seemed to be cursed as Rachel also suffered an injury in training two days ago but, thankfully, escaped without any serious issues.

“Rachel hurt her toe but luckily it was not serious and she has rejoined training.

“It seems that we are cursed with injuries so close to the SEA Games.

“We are taking extra precautions now. We have told the gymnasts not to over-exert themselves and reduce the difficulties in their routines,” added Kok Seng, who is the first coach to Tokyo Olympian Jeremiah Loo.

‘’In the last SEA Games in the Philippines in 2019, the Malaysian artistic team bagged four golds, one silver and two bronzes.

“We were targeting gold medals from the all-around and team but now, we will focus only on the individual events.

“We have faith in our athletes. We are in the midst of rebuilding following the retirement of senior gymnasts. These athletes just need a bit more time to hit form.”