Hans gets another chance to win medal of different colour for Mothers Day

Touche: Hans Yoong (right) in action against Filipino Nathaniel Perez in the men’s individual foil at Chroy Changvar Convention Centre. — GLENN GUAN/The Star

IT’S a bronze for the time being but fencer Hans Yoong is determined to get a better Mothers Day present for his mother Heather Lee.

The 22-year-old had to settle for the bronze in the men’s individual foil after he was beaten 9-15 by Filipino Samuel Lopez in the semi-final match at Chroy Changvar Convention Centre yesterday.

Hans, who trains and studies in the United States, earlier defeated another Filipino Nathaniel Perez 15-13 to reach the last four.

Nathaniel was the silver medallist from Hanoi last year.

He hopes to make up for the disappointment in the team event on Tuesday.

Hans, who is graduating from University of Notre Dame with a degree in Mechanical Engineering end of this year, was a little disappointed he could not get the momentum going to break into the final. “In the semi-finals, I started a little bit slow in the first match but gained momentum in the second and third,” he said.

“But my opponent was playing well and didn’t leave any room for me to pick points.

“I was just mentally tired towards the end and I did not finish as well as I wanted to,” said Hans, whose bronze meant that he has delivered medals for Malaysia’s fencing team in the last three SEA Games.

Hans bagged silver in the individual foil at the Philippines SEA Games in 2019. He returned with a silver in the team event and bronze in the individual in Hanoi last year.

Hans is more determined than ever to lead the men’s team to glory in the competition.

“We have a mix of experienced and up and coming talents, so we hope to do well in the team,” said Hans.

“I made a card for my mum and wanted to wish her happy Mothers Day tomorrow (today). It’s not the best colour to show her but then I will try for a better one in the team,” he added.

It was also a day to rejoice for seasoned fencer Cheng Xing Han as he also contributed bronze in the men’s individual foil.

Xing Han finally bagged his first individual medal in his fifth SEA Games appearance after he reached the semi-finals. He defeated Ratchanavi Deejing of Thailand 15-11 in the quarter-finals but lost to eventual winner Samuel Robson of Singapore 6-15 in the last four.

Xing Han previously claimed bronze and silver in the team event in Philippines (2019) and in Hanoi last year.