KUALA LUMPUR: A short training and sparring stint in Anhui, China, proved beneficial as Bryan Ti from Melaka won the first gold medal at the Sarawak Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Kuching on Wednesday.
The world junior champion was in excellent form with his routines, scoring 9.600 points to top the men's nanquan event at the Wushu Stadium.
Perak's Foo Mun Fei and Sarawak's Fung Tai Leong each scored 9.560 points, but the former was awarded silver for executing more difficult routines.
Bryan, a 20-year-old member of the national backup squad, said the two-week stint in China in June gave him the confidence he needed.
"I was exposed to new routines during the stint, and I tried them today. I am glad I impressed the judges with my performance. I hope to secure another podium finish in the nangun event tomorrow," said Bryan, who is studying business administration at Asia Pacific University in Bukit Jalil.
Bryan's compatriot Tan Pei Ler won the women's nanquan event with a score of 9.500 points. Johor's Eunice En claimed silver with 9.496 points, while Penang's Gillian Ong took bronze with 9.493 points.
In the women's taijijian event, Mandy Cebelle Chen of Selangor won gold with 9.603 points, while Sarawak's Carmen Jia (9.530) for silver, and Kwan Yong Xin of the Federal Territories (9.490) won silver and bronze, respectively.
Sarawak's Stephanie Chai Ern Ngu (9.603) won gold in the women's changquan event. Johor's Lee Jia Rong (9.600) and Melaka's Kelly Sy Melaka (9.586) took the second and third spots.
In the men's changquan, Penang's Danish Aizad Firdaus Chua won gold with 9.620 points ahead of compatriot Lim Jue Xin (9.596) and Brunei's Walid Lachkar (9.580).
The Sarawak Malaysia Games officially start on Saturday.