Cheung Ka Long failed to win a gold medal in the men’s foil individual competition at the Zero National Games on May 16 with the support of the home crowd. The two-time Olympic champion said after the race that the mainland players were strong, but that the Hong Kong players were closing the gap.
Cheung Ka Long won all six of his group matches and advanced to the next three knockout rounds. In the semi-final against Fujian Xu Jie, he was knocked out by his opponent with 10 points in a row after a 9-5 lead. In the bronze medal game that followed, he won 15-2.
Cheung Ka Long (left) and Zeng Zhao compete during a match on November 16,2010. Xinhua news agency reporter, photo by Zhu Wei
“I was equalised by him [ Xu Jie ] after I took the lead. I was a little bit nervous and I didn’t handle it very well at that time. I’ve played Xu Jie a few times, the last time was at the Asian Games, and I beat him that time. I feel that his playing style is much more mature now.”
Cheung Ka Long said he often talked to mainland players. He said: “Before the Hong Kong team preparation, went to Guangzhou Ersha training, I and Mo Ziwei are particularly familiar, we are also about the same age.”. This national games, both unfamiliar and familiar faces, such as Xu Jie, we often go to the game together, often chat, but also friends. Overall, the strength of the mainland players is still very strong, but I also see us getting stronger. It used to be very difficult to compete in national competitions, but now there is a clear sense that Hong Kong athletes are improving.”
Cheung Ka Long has won many world championships as a Hong Kong star, but he still lacks world championships and National Games titles in his honour book. He said the loss was not due to pressure from home.
(Reutersbobby Yip) # 16 spectators cheer on Hong Kong team contestant Cheung Ka Long on November 16,2010. Xinhua news agency reporter, photo by Zhu Wei
“I feel like I’m past the point where I can be influenced by stress. At first it was a little bit, but then I realized that no one can win every game. So I told myself, as long as the current strength and performance as well as good, not because I had a good result before, this must win the championship. Every game is a fresh start for me.”