Young wushu fighters prove they have mettle

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/young-wushu-fighters-prove-they-have-mettle-20121008

After watching their seniors win a clutch of SEA Games and Asian Games medals over the years, Singapore's young wushu warriors have a lot to live up to.

But winning is already a habit for the country's new generation of Chinese martial arts exponents, who fought their way to unexpected success at the recent World Junior Championships in Macau.

Their haul from the biennial tournament: three golds, four silvers and three bronzes. This was Singapore's best return since the event started in 2006, a tally beaten only when the championships were held here in 2010. This year's event featured about 600 competitors from 40 nations.

Although superpowers China did not feature in the events that earned medals for Singapore, the future looks bright for the Republic's 11-member youth squad.

National junior wushu coach Tang Ning is full of praise for his young proteges, who bagged 10 medals in all at the World Junior Championships.

"Most of them were taking part in their first major competition, so it was natural that they showed nerves. They still need work on their basic techniques and need more exposure at major competitions, but this is a group that has the potential to perform at the senior level."

The Medallists

Gp A: 16-18 years

Gp B: 13-15 years

Gp C: 10-12 years


GOLD (3)

Samuel Tan: Boys' Group A taijiquan

Vera Tan: Girls' Gp B taijiquan

Jowen Lim: Boys' Gp B cudgel

SILVER (4)

Samuel Tan: Boys' Gp A taijijian

Abel Tan: Boys' Gp A broadsword

Jowen Lim: Boys' Gp B changquan

Vera Tan: Girls' Gp B taijijian

BRONZE (3)

Fung Hui Xin: Girls' Gp B changquan and sword

Ong Li Cheng: Girls' Gp C sword