Asian Games: Tai Cheau Xuen brings in Malaysia's first gold medal

INCHEON: National wushu exponent Tai Cheau Xuen (pix) brought much cheer to to Malaysian camp by winning Malaysia's first gold medal at the 17th Asian Games here today.
She beat a stellar cast en route to the gold in the Nanquan/Nandao event at the Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium here on the first day of competition in the Games.
Tai, 24, scored 19.23 points to edge the silver medallist, Juwita Niza Wasni of Indonesia, by 0.04 points. China's Wei Hong had to settle for the bronze after collecting 19.15 points.
But it was a different story for Malaysian wushu ace Diana Bong Siong Lin who finished last in the event after only managing 18.25 points.
Tai, who hails from Negeri Sembilan, said she was overjoyed to be able to deliver Malaysia's first gold but it had yet to "sink in".
"Before coming here my target was to win a medal. I can't believe it is the gold because some top class exponents also competed in this event," she told reporters afterwards.
She dedicated her victory to all Malaysians for their solid backing for the national contingent in Incheon.
"I also want to thank the National Sports Council and Olympic Council of Malaysia for the support they have given me," she said.
Meanwhile, Juwita Niza said she was satisfied with her performance today despite missing out on the gold.
The 18-year-old who comes from Medan, Sumatra, said she had trained for at least four hours a day before coming to Incheon. – Bernama