Jia Rong proves her worth by bagging gold in World Cup

PETALING JAYA: Wushu exponent Lee Jia Rong (pic) has proved that her inclusion in the Asian Games team was the right decision after she claimed Malaysia’s first gold medal in the Taolu World Cup in Haikou, China.

The 21-year-old won the women’s daoshu (sword) event to give Malaysia a flying start in the biennial tournament.

Jia Rong scored 9.736 points with Indonesia’s Felda Elvira Santoso taking silver with 9.726 points.

In a tight contest for the podium, Hong Kong’s Michelle Yeung also scored 9.726 points but settled for bronze on countback.

Jia Rong is the only Malaysian medallist on the opening day of the competition.

In the men’s daoshu event, Vietnam SEA Games gold medallist Clement Ting placed sixth out of eight competitors with 9.730 points.

Wong Zi Hong finished fifth in the men’s taijiquan with 9.726 points.

Malaysia have high hopes of another rewarding day today with reigning world champion Tan Cheong Min competing in the women’s nangun (stick) and nandao (broadsword) events.