Fencing Grand Prix: Cheung Ka-long is the man to beat as he leads Hong Kong in Incheon

Olympic gold medallist seeks ranking points to consolidate his position as world No 1

A busy weekend for Hong Kong’s fencers also includes Grand Prix and World Cup action for women’s foil and men’s and women’s épée squads

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Cheung Ka-long (left) defeats Edoardo Luperi of Italy in the World Cup in Paris early this year. Photo: FIE

Published: 8:30am, 13 May 2022

Cheung Ka-long will have a target on his back when he leads Hong Kong into the FIE Fencing Grand Prix in South Korea on Friday.

The new world No 1 foilist will be the one to beat in Incheon, in a strong field of more than 100 fencers at the two-day individual event.

Offering more ranking points than a World Cup series event, it is an opportunity for Olympic gold medallist Cheung to consolidate his position on top of the world. He last month rose to the head of the rankings after the World Cup series in Belgrade, having already won the Paris World Cup at the beginning of the year.

Now the challenge for the 24-year-old is to stay there.

Cheung Ka-long (centre) will be joined in Incheon by Ryan Choi Chun-yin (left) and Nicholas Choi. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

“What he has to do next is keep his mind open, taking on different types of fencers and consolidating the skills he has learned from these encounters to become more consistent at the highest level,” said Hong Kong head coach Zheng Kangzhao. “The Incheon Grand Prix will provide such an opportunity.

“He is only 24, and the way he won the Olympic gold and the Paris World Cup was world-class. Cheung has become a very comprehensive fencer, sharp in attack and tough in defending. He also has a strong physique that can keep him working all day long during competition.”