SEA Games: Agatha Wong wins 2nd gold medal in wushu

MANILA, Philippines—Agatha Wong of the Philippines captured her second gold medal in the wushu competition after topping the women’s taijijian in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games Tuesday at World Trade Center.

Wong, who captured the silver medal in the same category in the 2017 SEA Games, scored 9.65 to rule the competition after also winning the gold in the women’s taijiquan last Sunday

She is the lone gold medalist for the Philippines’ national wushu team so far.

Thi Minh Huyen Tran of Vietnam claimed the silver medal with a score of 9.63 while Brunei’s Basma Lachkar was the bronze medalist with after a mark of 9.62.

Philippines’ Agatha Wong performs during the women’s Taijijian category in the Wushu competition in the 30th South East Asian Games 2019. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon

Wong, who battled through cramps and body pains in her first event, said she is grateful for the opportunity of bringing the country glory.

“I’m still trying to think ‘did I really win?’ because I’ve been through so much and I’m grateful to get this opportunity,” said Wong in Filipino.

Wong said that even though five-time SEA Games gold medalist Lindswell Kwok wasn’t present, she knew she will still be in a tough bind against this year’s competitors.

“They’re really good opponents, I think it’s just a level of mentality because when it comes to wushu if your mind is in trouble you won’t be able to execute your jumps properly,” said Wong, who lost to Kwok, who is also a five-time world champion, in the same category in 2017.

“When Lindswell retired, I know I still have strong opponents like the guys from Vietnam and Japan. It’s not always Lindswell even though she’s always winning. Everyone has a chance to win and I’m happy to be in that level,” said Wong.

In the men’s side Johnzenth Gajo, Jones Inso, and Thornton Sayan claimed the bronze in the taolu duilian event with a score of 9.49.

Indonesia’s Seraf Siregar, Edgar Marvelo, and Harris Horatius won the gold medal with a score of 9.54 while Brunei’s Sain Majdurano Joel Majallah and Muhd Safiee Shayferan Roslan claimed the silver after a mark of 9.5.

Inso also won the silver medalist in the men’s taijijian category on Monday.