Hong Kong’s Vivian Kong eyes World Championships first, but more than individual glory on the line in Milan
- Women’s épée world No 1 could become city’s first world champion as tournament gets under way in Italy
- But Kong is also fighting for her team, with the competition offering the most ranking points towards qualification for 2024 Paris Olympics
Vivian Kong’s coach believes no one can stop the Hong Kong fencer winning a first world title in Milan this week.
The women’s épée world No 1 and Asian champion has been in blistering form this year, and not even the normally dominant South Koreans have been able to stand in her way.
Kong demolished defending world champion Song Se-ra 15-4 to win the regional title last month, having previously gained her No 1 spot with a win in the World Cup series in Colombia in May.
Victory would also make Kong the first fencer from the city to become world champion, but there is more at stake than just personal glory for the 29-year-old.
Hong Kong’s women are battling to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris and the nine-day World Championships, which started with early elimination rounds on Saturday, offer the most ranking points.
Head coach Zheng Kangzhao described his athlete’s performance against Song as “simply world class”, and backed her to improve on the two bronze medals she has won at previous championships.
