Teenage fencer Kiria Tikanah wins gold on her SEA Games debut
Singapore won a second fencing gold at the SEA Games through teenage debutante Kiria Tikanah Abdul Rahman yesterday.
The 19-year-old, who is ranked world No. 222, defeated home favourite 151st-ranked Hanniel Abella 15-12 to claim the women's individual epee title at the World Trade Center in Manila.
Earlier, the National University of Singapore chemistry student had beaten compatriot Cheryl Lim 15-10 in the semi-finals.
Kiria's gold was the Republic's second fencing title at these Games.
She said: "Winning gold was very unexpected. Since it was my SEA Games debut, I was expecting maybe only a medal, so being able to go home with the gold was a bonus."
Singapore also picked up another bronze yesterday through Joshua Lim, who reached the semi-finals where he lost 15-13 to Thailand's Mayakarn Chornnasun.
On Tuesday, Amita Berthier retained the women's individual foil gold by defeating Maxine Wong in the first all-Singaporean fencing final at the biennial Games.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now