Hong Kong's 'strongest ever fencing team' can foil Asian giants and win gold at home, says Edgar Cheung Ka-long
Olympic fencer will spearhead the strongest local challenge at next year’s regional championships to be held at the Asia World-Expo in June
Olympic fencer Edgar Cheung Ka-long believes Hong Kong will be able to match regional powerhouses China, South Korea and Japan and vie for gold in the men’s foil team event at next year’s Asian Championships, which the city will host.
Cheung said Hong Kong are likely to assemble their strongest men’s foil team – good enough to repel the challenge of the traditional Asian giants this time around.
“We have been bringing home bronze medals in the past in this event but we definitely have a chance of winning top prize this time,” said the talented 19-year-old fencer, who reached the last 16 at the Rio Olympics in individual foil and is the reigning Asian individual foil champion.
“In addition, Hong Kong will be hosting the event for the first time and it will provide us local fencers with a big boost as we will compete in front of our home fans.
“The team event provides a great atmosphere for both fencers and the crowd and all team members are eager to perform on the big stage.”
Veteran fencer Cheung Siu-lun, Yeung Chi-ka and Nicholas Chui, who recently steered the Hong Kong team to a gold medal at the Asian Under-23 Championships, are all likely members of the squad. Chui, who also represented Hong Kong at the London Olympic Games, secured 14 points in the last bout to help Hong Kong come from behind and beat South Korea 43-42 in the final.