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Tai Cheau Xuen lifted the spirits of the Malaysian contingent by claiming the country’s second gold medal at the Myanmar SEA Games after winning the women’s nandao event at the Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium here on Sunday. - The STAR/ Kamarul Ariffin
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There were a lot of expectations on Cheau Xuen as Malaysia could only manage four silvers earlier in the day.
Cheau Xuen did not disappoint, amassing 9.69 points to beat homester Aint Mi Mi (9.67) and Juwita Niza Wasni Wasni of Indonesia (9.65).
Diana Bong Siong Lin delivered the first gold for Malaysia in nanquan on Saturday.
With wushu contributing two so far, Malaysia are now just one short of achieving a historic 1,000th gold in the SEA Games history.
Cheau Xuen was the gold medallist at the Games in Indonesia two years ago, but it was a combined event of nandao and nangun (stick).
“As we won only four silvers before the nandao event, both Diana and I were very determined to win a gold. On top of that, we are traditonally very strong in it.
“Today’s achievement is a result of all the hard work and believing in myself,” said the Negri Sembilan-born Cheau Xuen, who was the world champion in the compulsory nanquan discipline in Kuala Lumpur last month.
“I hope we can strike gold again in nangun tomorrow (today),” said the 23-year-old.
Diana committed two errors to settle for seventh spot with 9.23 points.
The Sarawakian was the favourite, having won the nandao title at the World Championships last month.
Ng Shin Yii bounced back strongly from a dismal performance to snatch a silver in the women’s taijiquan and taijijian combined event.
Shin Yii, who was fifth after completing the taijiquan on Saturday, posted 9.69 points for a 19.28 total to take silver behind two-time world champion Lindswell Kwok of Indonesia, who chalked up 19.42 points.
http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Other-Sport/2013/12/08/Cheau-Xuen-lifts-mood-with-Malaysias-second-SEA-Games-gold.aspx
