Tai uphold Malaysia's dignity by winning gold medal

NAYPYITAW : The 999 stamp on gold jewellery indicates fine gold or the purest you can get. National wushu athlete Tai Cheau Xuen is probably the closest to such perfection in her sport discipline.

At the Myanmar SEA Games today, she stamped her mark in the women's Nandao event and upheld Malaysia's dignity to clinch the nation's second gold medal.

Tai's feat has contributed to the country's 999th medal since Malaysia joined the games in 1959.

The Negeri Sembilan-born collected 9.69 points to beat seven others in the competition which took place at the Wunna Theikdi A Closed Stadium here.

The silver medal went to host participant, Aint Mi Mi who garnered 9.67 points while the bronze was won by Juwita Niza Washi Washi of Indonesia (9.65 points).

Meanwhile, Malaysia's primary hope for the event, Diana Bong Siong Lin was forced to be content with 9.23 points in seventh place when she fell due to dehydration after suffering from diarrhoea over the past three days.

Yesterday, Diana was the first Malaysian athlete to contribute a gold medal for the country, via the women's Nanquan event.

Four silver medals from Malaysia's wushu squad today, were contributed by Ng Say Yoke (Men's Gunshu), Ho Mun Hua (Men's Nanquan), Ho Mun Hua/Wong Weng Son Wong/ Lee Yang (Men's Duilian) and Ng Shin Yii (Women's Taijijian).

Tai, 23, said she was ecstatic at contributing Malaysia's 999th medal and hoped it would bring luck to her and the national Wushu squad.

"All my efforts have borne fruit with the gold medal today, and I hope that tomorrow, I can contribute another medal, regardless of colour," she told reporters here today.

The athlete said she started Wushu at 16, following her family's encouragement and guidance.

"I will do my best tomorrow and hope I can contribute another medal to the country," she added.

On the sixth day of the games tomorrow, Tai will take part in the Women's Nangun event, with Diana to pursue the nation's 1,000 medal.