KUALA LUMPUR: With less than four months to go before the Commonwealth Games, national coach Nataliya Sinkova has identified three artistic gymnasts for the Gold Coast challenge.
The Ukrainian revealed that the three are Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, Tracie Ang and Tan Ing Yueh.
However, Nataliya is still on the lookout for one more gymnast as there are four spots to be filled.
Nataliya said Australia, Canada and England are Malaysia’s biggest threats at the Commonwealth Games as they are of Olympic level.
“They will be selected based on being injury-free, the value of their routine and how many elements they can get to have a start value.”
Nataliya said the decision will be tough because there are a couple of newcomers who have shown great progress.
“Newcomers Nur Azira Aziri, who was part of the Sea Games gold-winning team in gymnastic artistic, Geanie Ng Ee Ling and Lavinia Jayadev have shown tremendous improvement.”
For the Commonwealth Games, Nataliya said Malaysia’s main focus will be on the team event but she is optimistic of their chances of finishing in the top-three in the Indonesia Asian Games in September.
“We’ve been dreaming about the Asian Games and want to prove something. Last time Tracie was 9th and Farah was already 7th, so we are getting closer and closer to the top.”