JAKARTA: It was a disappointing end for wushu exponent Tan Cheong Min who really wanted to win a medal on her birthday.
However, Cheong Min, who turned 20 on Monday, failed to make her dream a reality following a mistake in the nandao event at the Jakarta Exhibition & Convention Centre.
The Melaka-born was second in the nanquan discipline with 9.71 points on Sunday and she needed a decent performance in the nandao for a medal.
Cheong Min was performing well on the mat, but a slip after executing an airborne routine saw her only earning 9.44 points for a two-day total of 19.15 to finish fourth.
“It was unexpected. I did not foresee it (the mistake) as I was confident throughout my routine,” Cheong Min, who was in tears after the event.
“I was focused heading to the mat for my performance. I am very sad, but still I am satisfied with my ranking on my debut.
“I really wanted to finish on the podium as I turned 20 today.”
China’s Lu Tang won the nanquan-nandao combined event with a 19.49 total.