Malaysian gymnasts eye unexpected gold

Malaysia’s gymnast Tan Ing Yueh in action on Beam category for Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Team Final in JIExpo Kemayoran during Asian Games 2018 at Jakarta, Indonesia. FAIHAN GHANI/The Star.

Malaysian artistic gymnasts can set their sights on an unexpected gold medal.

The Philippine SEA Games Organising Committee (Phisgoc) has made a last-minute decision to include the individual all-around and this piece of news has brought a smile to Malaysian national coach Ng Shu Wai’s face.

He has reasons to be happy as Tan Ing Yueh and Farah Ann Abdul Hadi are capable of winning the event.

Now with five golds at stake, Shu Wai feels that his charges are capable of exceeding their target of two golds.

“The girls have to compete with themselves. The aim is to be calm, and get their routines right, ” said the former Olympian and Asian Games silver medallist.

“We arrived in Manila on Wednesday and did the podium training on Thursday. From there, we will assess the competitors’ strengths and see if there is a need to fix our target.

“But, I’ve full faith in my girls. They are capable of winning all their events if they are in their element.”

The five events that would be contested are the individual all-around, floor exercise, balance beam, vault and parallel bar.

Malaysia’s challenge will be led by Farah, Ing Yueh, Tracie Ang, and Rachel Yeoh Li Wen.

Competition will start on Monday.