Fencing star Vivian Kong makes history for Hong Kong by taking gold at World Cup in Cuba
- The 25-year-old epeeist is the first Hong Kong fencer – man or woman – to win one of fencing’s most prestigious titles
- The Hong Kong fencer easily wins her final against France’s Auriane Mallo 15-8
Vivian Kong Man-wai became the first Hong Kong fencer to win a World Cup title after her success in the series in Havana, Cuba on Saturday.
Kong, who will turn 25 next month, overwhelmed France’s Auriane Mallo 15-8 in the epee final to clinch her maiden World Cup victory.
Not only did her result meant that she has become the first Hong Kong fencer – man or woman – to win a World Cup title, it also boosted her qualification hopes for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She is now ranked seventh in the world.
She also hopes to help carry the Hong Kong women’s épée team to Tokyo, occupying ninth spot in the world. Hong Kong are competing for a direct Olympic entry qualification for Tokyo with Asian powers South Korea (third in the world) and China (fifth).
Kong was delighted with her World Cup maiden victory and said: “This is a good beginning of the year for the entire team who have been working very hard to get good results. I believe there will be more World Cup champions from Hong Kong in future.”