Hong Kong top fencer Vivian Kong can medal at the Worlds, says coach Octavian Zidaru
- Romanian remains confident his protégé can shine on the biggest stage outside the Olympics – and make history
- The Hong Kong fencer has dropped to No 3 in the rankings but is fine-tuning her preparations for Budapest
Top fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai is aiming to snatch back the world’s number one spot – and in the process win Hong Kong their first medal at the world championships, which begin in Budapest next week.
Following her mediocre performance at the Asian championships in Tokyo last month, in which she finished ninth in the women’s épée, Kong lost her world ranking crown to reigning world champion Mara Navarria, of Italy, with Ana Maria Popescu, of Romania, occupying the second spot and Kong dropping to third.
Coach Octavian Zidaru remains confident his fencer, who left for Europe last week to fine-tune her preparations, would shine on the biggest stage left ahead of next year’s Tokyo Olympic Games.
“For us, each competition is a challenge and we don’t go there just to participate,” said the Romanian, who came to Hong Kong four years ago to take charge of the épée team. “Of course, our target is to win a medal. Good results at the world championships will be great motivators and there are many ranking points at stake.
