Tokyo Olympics: Vivian Kong moves within one bout of a medal shot as she progresses to the quarter-finals

Kong faces surprise package Aizanat Murtazaeva of the Russian Olympic Committee in the quarter-finals

‘I just want to make Hong Kong proud so I’ll keep going, I’ll keep trying,’ says the 27-year-old

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Vivian Kong defeated Renata Knapik-Miazga to advance to the quarter-finals of the individual épée. Photo: AP

Published: 2:23pm, 24 Jul 2021Updated: 2:23pm, 24 Jul 2021

Vivian Kong Man-wai turned it on when it mattered most in the last 16 of the individual épée event at Makuhari Messe Hall on Saturday, and now stands two wins away from a crack at Tokyo gold.

Kong came through a cagey first two rounds against Poland’s Renata Knapik-Miazga to press home the advantage in the third and book her spot in the quarter-finals 15-8.

Kong, a big medal hope for the Hong Kong delegation in Tokyo, showed none of the nerves she admitted to experiencing after her opening win over Peru’s Maria Luisa Doig Calderon earlier on Saturday.

The 27-year-old revealed the slow start, which earned the pair a red card each from the referee for inactivity, was more strategic than indicative of any lack of confidence.

“I really like her as a fencer and as a friend and she’s a really strong fencer,” Kong said. “I feel better now. I was able to enjoy the competition [in this match].”

Kong edged 3-1 in front by the end of the first round, but the chess match continued into the second period with neither fencer wanting to commit to attack. Kong led 6-4 at the end of round two.