Hong Kong fencers looking forward to competing on home soil as World Championships loom
First-time hosts will field a mix of veterans, world champions and debutants keen for rare chance of performing in front of family, friends
A blend of experienced and younger fencers will headline the host teams as Hong Kong counts down towards hosting its first World Fencing Championships in the city in less than three weeks.
Veterans including men’s foilists Cheung Ka-long and Ryan Choi Chun-yin, men’s and women’s épéeists Cedric Ho Wai-hang and Kaylin Hsieh Sin-yan, and men’s sabreist Aaron Ho Sze-long will spearhead their respective teams, with four young fencers making their World Championships debut on home soil.
While fencing head coach Zheng Kangzhao publicly backed the city’s men’s foil quartet as medal contenders – both as individuals and as a team – Cheung and Choi agreed, but for different reasons.
“We have been on the podium at the Asian and World Championships before, so our latest world ranking of No 3 represents a possibly easier route for us,” said two-time Olympic champion Cheung. “That was the reason we fought so hard to achieve this ranking. We know we are capable of winning medals as a team, so we’re confident.
“As for individual events, I want to play at a standard that reflects my usual training level in front of my family, friends and the citizens in Hong Kong. It’s not easy for us to host such championships, and I am not young any more, so I cherish this opportunity for sure.”
Reigning individual champion Choi, who is still nursing a left hamstring injury and is set to return to fencing training next week, admitted he hoped to win a medal again.