Hong Kong fencer Ryan Choi Chun-yin looks to the past to ride through rough patch

Former world No 7 Choi has reached the round of 16 only once in six competitions this season

Asian Championship bronze medallist confident of rebounding in time for 2024 Paris Olympics qualification cycle

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The result in Incheon Grand Prix was totally out of fencer Ryan Choi Chun-yin’s expectation. Photo: FIE

Published: 10:06am, 25 Mar 2023

Hong Kong fencer Ryan Choi Chun-yin admitted he was going through “a rough patch” this season after crashing out in the round of 32 at Busan Grand Prix event in South Korea last week.

The 25-year-old recorded his best finish at the season-opening World Cup in Bonn, Germany, last November, bowing out in the round of 16.

Left-handed foilist Choi failed to make it to the same stage at his next five events, and crashed out in the first round on three occasions.

“My condition and form has not been good, to say the least,” Choi said. “It was partly a mental thing – I had far too much fear in those competitions.

“I know I have to be more confident about myself when I am on the piste. I have to fear and worry less and be more determined about my actions.”

Fencer Ryan Choi Chun-yin (left) leaps into the air against Alessio Foconi. Photo: FIE

Former world No 7 Choi’s poor form has seen him slip to his lowest ranking – No 21 – since the 2018-19 season.