Fencing World Cup Acapulco: Cheung Ka-long’s silver gives Hong Kong strong start to Paris 2024 qualifiers
- Cheung’s performance puts him on track to regain world No 1 spot and is a morale booster for Hong Kong team, coach says
- Ryan Choi reaches last eight before both begin quest for Olympic points in the team event, which will determine how many fencers the city can send to Paris
Hong Kong’s fencing team got off to a flying start in the 2024 Olympic qualifiers with Cheung Ka-long claiming a silver medal in the World Cup series event in Acapulco, Mexico.
The reigning Olympic champion could regain the world No 1 spot in the men’s foil after posting five straight victories, including one over former No 1 Enzo Lefort of France, to reach the final, which he lost 15-10 to Mohamed Hamza of Egypt.
It was Cheung’s first silver medal in the World Cup series after previously collecting a gold and three bronze. His sole victory in the top-tier competition came in Paris early last year, but the year-long Olympic qualification window has given his placing in Mexico greater importance.
“The result truly reflects his standard among the world’s top fencers,” head coach Zheng Kangzhao said. “The Acapulco event is the first of the Olympic qualifiers, and we hope it can boost team morale and they go all the way to Paris.”
Ryan Choi Chun-yin, who had struggled recently, also shone as he reached the last eight. Choi had to start from the pool stage after dropping out of the top 20 before the tournament, but won all of his five bouts to reach the round of 64.
The 25-year-old beat current No 1 Alexander Massialas of the United States 15-5 in the round of 16, but was stopped 15-10 by another American, Gerek Meinhardt, in the next round. Meinhardt then lost to Cheung in their semi-final.