Laser-focused Ying Ting delivers clean Asian Games debut

NAGOYA: The podium eluded her but wushu exponent Loh Ying Ting was nevertheless pleased with her performance on her Asian Games debut on Monday.

Ying Ting's routine scored her 9.666 from the judges at the Aichi Prefectural Martial Arts Hall to place her 11th overall, just one spot behind teammate Lee Jia Rong (9.670), in the women's changquan final.

The 28-year-old said she was pleased to execute her strategy well.

"It was an above average performance I would say. At least, I did not get any points deducted," said Ying Ting.

"My goal today was to focus on my eyes, expression and also my breathing.

"I am happy overall, I did not get distracted by the environment. I was able to focus on myself."

Ying Ting, who was a top junior, admitted it took time for her to adapt to competing at the senior level.

"I used to get distracted by the competition environment and would lose focus," she added.

"The transition from junior to senior was quite stressful. The seniors have movements which are much more different from the juniors so it took time to catch up.

"I watched a lot of videos and asked my seniors for advice during that transition."

The wushu competition continues on Tuesday with contingent flag bearer Tan Cheong Min set to carry Malaysian medal hopes in the women's nanquan and nandao.

The world champion is hoping to finish on the Asian Games podium once again after winning silver in the same event at the Hangzhou Games.