Malaysia's Chan Lu Yi strike a pose during the taijiquan event at the Singapore SEA Games on Saturday. She won the silver. - S.S.KANESAN/ The STAR
SINGAPORE: Chan Lu Yi has given herself two years to reach the level of three-time world champion Chai Fong Ying.
The 18-year-old took a big step towards her goal on Saturday when she clinched a silver medal in the compulsory taijiquan discipline to give Malaysia an inspiring start at the Singapore SEA Games.
Lu Yi, who was the last to perform out of nine contestants at the Singapore Expo Hall 2, chalked up 9.65 points to deny the host a 1-2 finish.
Vera Tan claimed gold with 9.69 points while 2013 world champion Ho Lin Ying finished third with 9.64 points.
Another Malaysian, Audrey Chan, gave a creditable display on her debut to finish fourth with 9.49 points.
A jubilant Lu Yi described her achievement as the best so far, although she won two silver medals in the 2013 Islamic Solidarity Games and a bronze at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games last year.
She promised that there’s more to come from her.
“This silver medal is surely my best ever ... for now,” said Lu Yi, who made her Games debut in Myanmar two years ago.
“I thought I did really well today ... it was almost a perfect performance.
“Any medal is always a stepping stone for me. I know there’s still a long way to go before I can be as good as Fong Ying or Lindswell (Kwok of Indonesia, a two-time world champion).
“They’ve set the benchmark for us to follow. I hope to perform like them one day and win major prizes ... hopefully, in two years’ time.”
Lu Yi's hopes of a second medal in the evening were dashed when she and Phoon Eyin could only finish fourth in the women's duel weapon event.
The Star Online
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