KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 — The national fencing squad are hoping to spring a surprise by winning a gold medal at the 2023 South-east Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia next month.

Even though the actual target set is four bronze, national coach Yu Peng Kean feels that Malaysia has the potential of a better result and end the almost 12-year wait for a gold medal, singling out seniors, Hans Yoong, who will compete in the foil, and Joshua Koh (epee), as those with better chances.

"I feel we are able (to get the gold) compared to the last SEA Games, where we almost got it. We are better prepared and I’m confident in our seniors, they are the best hope.

"I’m confident the sabre team, even though young, can do their best. I always share my knowledge and experience with them as I want them to achieve success,” he said at a media conference at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil here today.

Meanwhile, Isaac Seet, who will also be making his debut at the SEA Games, hopes to prove himself in the men’s individual epee and men’s team epee events.

"Our biggest opponent will always be Vietnam, they have Olympians and multiple SEA Games gold medalist as well but I believe we are young and strong to pull off some surprises as well.

"I just came back from Ho Chin Minh, Vietnam recently to train with their SEA Games team as well and I can also slightly see their performance and I believe that we still have a chance,” Isaac said.

The 14-member strong national team will compete in the men’s and women’s individual foil events, men’s team foil event, men’s individual and team epee events, men’s team sabre event and women’s individual sabre event at the Games. — Bernama