SEA Games debutant Clement Ting displayed maturity beyond his years to upset his more illustrious wushu rivals to win a surprise gold medal in the changquan event in Hanoi yesterday.
It was a fulfilling outcome for the 24-year-old who had battled against Covid-19 infection last month.
However, a calm and collected Clement was close to flawless as he executed his routine and scored 9.70 points to top the event at the Cau Giay Gymnasium in Hanoi.
Singapore's Jowen Lim, who won the event in 2017 (Kuala Lumpur), had also earned 9.70 but settled for silver on a lower difficulty routine.
Indonesia's Seraf Naro, the 2019 duilian world champion, completed the podium after scoring a 9.69 total, while Malaysia's Yeap Wai Kin finished just off the podium in fourth on 9.68.
Clement was visibly delighted to secure Malaysia's first gold in the sport in Hanoi.
Compatriot Tan Zhi Yan won Malaysia's second gold via the men's taijiquan event.
"I am really surprised as I was not thinking about the gold today (yesterday)," said Clement yesterday.
"This is my first Sea Games, and my goal was just to focus on my routine and perform to the best ability.
"I executed what I did in training and did so without making mistakes.
"Obviously, I am very happy to win the title. This is something I have wanted to win for a very long time."
Clement, however, revealed that the road to Hanoi was challenging.
"Of course preparing for the Sea Games was tough for everyone due to Covid-19 and the various restrictions," added Clement.
"I had contracted Covid-19 last month and was quarantined for 10 days.
"I could only do light practice during the quarantine period and was worried that I would not have enough time to prepare for the Sea Games.
"Thankfully, everything went well in the end."
Clement will compete in the daoshu (today) and gunshu (tomorrow) events.
The scores from both events will be combined to determine the medal winners.