FENCING: Joshua fancies chances of making the cut

SEA Games gold medallist Joshua Koh is confident of becoming the nation's second fencer to qualify for the London Olympics at the Asian and Oceanic Olympic Qualifiers in Wakayama, Japan on Friday and Saturday.

Joshua Koh 

The epee specialist, who finished fourth in the same event in Bangkok four years ago, said his chances are much brighter this time with the event offering three Olympic slots for competitors in the category.
"I finished fourth in the event last time but was some way off (qualifying) as there was only one spot available at the time," said the 22-year-old.

"I feel I have matured a lot since then and am confident I can do it this time as there will also be more places on offer where a top-three finish will do it for me.
"Physically I am fit and well prepared for the event as I have just returned from an 11-day training camp in Korea. I will look to focus on each match at a time in Japan.

"To compete in the Olympics has always been a dream for me and I will do my best to make it in Japan."
Joshua, who stated fencers from Japan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgystan as those to watch out for, will be joined at the event by Sea Games bronze medallist Natasha Ezzra Abu Bakar (foil) and Zairul Zaimi Mohd Arsad (foil).

The foil specialists will, however, have their work cut out for them as only winners in their respective categories will earn qualification to the London Games.

Yu Peng Kean had earlier this month become the first Malaysian fencer to qualify for the Olympic Games in 48 years. The 21-year-old made the cut for the the men's individual sabre as the second-ranked fencer in the Asia-Oceania region among those who have not already qualified at the end of the March 31 qualifying cut-off.

Meanwhile, the trio will also compete at the Asian Fencing Championships which will be held at the same venue right after the completion of the Olympic qualifiers on April 22-27.
They will be joined by six national fencers for the championships.

National Sports Council director general Datuk Zolkples Embong officiated the flag handing ceremony for the nine fencers who will compete in the competitions in Wakayama next week, at the National Sports Complex yesterday.



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