SHAH ALAM: Tang Koh Ming was only seven when she first picked up wushu, inspired by her cousin, former SEA Games gold medallist Chan Lu Yi.
Fourteen years on, Koh Ming has given her cousin another reason to be proud after finally landing her Malaysia Games (Sukma) breakthrough.
The 21-year-old Penang exponent showed poise, balance and improved technique to win the women’s changquan title on the opening day of the wushu competition at IDCC Hall in Shah Alam on Thursday (Aug 20).
Koh Ming scored 9.520 points to pip teammate Coleen Cheah Weiqi, who took silver with 9.496, while Sarawak’s Fong Chai Xin settled for bronze with 9.456.
The gold was especially sweet for Koh Ming, who had settled for bronze in qiangshu at the previous Sukma in Sarawak after struggling with her landing and balance.
With this being her final Games, she knew it was now or never.
"I'm not in the national team but I've put in long hours of similar training," she said.
"I've learnt a lot over the last two years.
"This was my final chance to achieve my dream and I’m glad I made it."
Her move to China to study Economics and Management at Beijing Sport University also proved a turning point as she was able to tap into the expertise of her university coach and sharpen the technical aspects of her routines.
"The coach there helped me improve on the technical areas. They can see mistakes from many perspectives. I would like to thank all the coaches," she said.
Lee Ronn, 17, got the ball rolling for Melaka by bagging the men's changquan title with 9.613 points to secure his first Sukma gold.
Melaka also took the silver through Wong Jie Ann (9.590) while Liong Wen Fung won bronze for Johor (9.570).
RESULTS
Men's changquan: 1. Lee Ronn (Mel) 9.613, 2. Wong Jie Ann (Mel) 9.590, 3. Liong Wen Fung (Joh) 9.570.
Women's changquan: 1. Tang Koh Ming (Pen) 9.520, 2. Coleen Cheah Weiqi (Pen) 9.496, 3. Fong Chai Xin (Swk) 9.456.
