Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/1999921/feel-force-hong-kong-fencer-edgar-cheung-adopting-zen-approach-his
Sport/ Hong Kong

Feel the Force: Hong Kong fencer Edgar Cheung adopting a zen approach to his opening duel in Rio

The 19-year-old stunned rivals by winning the Asian championships this year

Edgar Cheung ka-long meets South Korea’s Heo Jun in the opening round. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Fencer Edgar Cheung ka-long is taking the Jedi approach to his duel in the men’s foil.

The 19-year-old, who stunned rivals by winning the Asian championships this year, is trying to empty his mind and let the Force flow through him against South Korea’s Heo Jun.

Cheung admits he doesn’t know much about his opponent and will just be trying to empty his mind of any pressure or negative thoughts.

“I think he is a speed and skill player,” said Cheung.

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“My strategy I think is just take it easy, don’t think too much – and enjoy the game,” added the teen-ager, who has been enjoying his time in Rio, where “everything is good”.

Cheung beat an Olympic champion, a world champion and a world junior champion on his way to landing the Asian crown.

But he’s no longer an unknown quantity, and the top players will likely be wary.

Before he gets the chance to test that hypothesis, Cheung has to do what no Hong Kong fencer has done before and win an Olympics match.