Teens Kang Xian, Cadence gain valuable experience on world stage

PETALING JAYA: Commonwealth Games debutants Yeap Kang Xian and Cadence Teh Zi Qi may have missed out on the women’s artistic gymnastics apparatus finals but the experience of competing against a world-class field is expected to fast-track their development.

The pair were unable to secure places in any of the event finals, but the exposure would serve them well as they build towards the 2027 SEA Games on home soil.

National coach Ng Shu Wai believes giving Kang Xian and Cadence the opportunity to compete at this level will accelerate their growth.

“Both are young and will learn more in the years to come. It was good exposure for them to compete against some world-class gymnasts in the individual all-around final,” said Shu Wai.

“We want them to do well at the SEA Games and build a solid all-around team one day.

“We also have other juniors coming up, so the future is promising.”

The 17-year-old Kang Xian finished eighth out of 18 gymnasts with a total score of 49.700 in the qualifying.

Her best routine came on the vault, where she scored 12.900, and followed by the balance beam (12.650), uneven bars (12.250) and floor exercise (11.900).

Cadence, 16, was placed 12th with a total of 48.300 – balance beam (12.950), vault (12.000), floor exercise (11.800) and uneven bars (11.550).

Canada’s Ellie Black claimed gold with a score of 53.050, becoming the first gymnast – man or woman – to win the individual all-around title for the second time in the Games.

Australia’s Breanna Scott took silver with 52.900, while Canada’s Lia Monica Fontaine claimed bronze with 52.800.

 

FINAL RESULT

Women

Individual all-around: 1. Ellie Black (Can) 53.050 pts, 2. Breanna Scott (Aus) 52.900, 3. Lia Monica Fontaine (Can) 52.800. Selected: 8. Yeap Kang Xian 49.700, 12. Cadence Teh 48.300.