First Gold for Singapore in Korea Open

After participating in the annual Korea Open five times, Singapore won its first gold medal through its arguably best kyorugi player, Jason Tan Junwei.  Jason beat his opponent from Japan 6-5 in a nail-biting final.  In the run-up to the final, he narrowly beat another Japanese player and overwhelmed a player from Hong Kong.

For his winning the title, Jason qualified to compete in the champion match comprising the top four foreign players and top two Koreans.  He earned the right to vie for the champion title after he showed his first opponent from Hong Kong the exit.

Jason met the best Korean in the weight category in the final.  It was a touch and go affair.  The match saw Jason giving the Korean a nightmare.  After a controversial head kick decision against Jason and the delivery of the last kick of the match, the score stood at 7-6 in favor of the Korean.

Showing his appreciation to his coach, he said: “I would like to thank my coach for her guidance.  She made it possible for me to do well in the competition.”

With that, our player ended his campaign with two medals – one gold and one silver.

Sharing the limelight was Sister Linda Sim.  She won three medals – two silvers and one bronze – in the poomsae competition.  Her scintillating performances drew gasps of admiration from the crowd although they did not impress the judges enough for the gold.  Nevertheless, it was a fantastic outing for Sister Linda.

Said Sister Linda: “It was a dream come true to win three medals in the competition.  I am grateful to the Management Committee, coaches and team-mates for the enriching and enlightening experiences.”

The other players who came back with more than memories were Raja Zulfadli and Nur Fadzlyn.

Singapore Flagbearers

Coaches                    :           Tan Cheng Hui (Poomsae)

                                             Wong Liang Ming (Kyorugi)

Poomsae                   :           Samuel Lee Wei Kang

                                             Sherman Wee Li Sheng

                                             Joyce Lim Soon Yi

                                             Tan Shi Ying

                                             Linda Sim Ee Guay

Kyorugi                      :           Jason Tan Junwei

                                             Saw Teng Sheng

                                             Gan Guo Bin

                                             Raja Zulfadli

                                             Cheong Xuuen

                                             Chew Kai Jun

                                             Choo Wei Xian

                                             Muhammad Norhalim

                                             Chew Xin Wei

                                             Nur Fadzlyn

                                             Kylynn Goh Jia Qi