Kieron’s ‘Epee’ Silver

2019 Asian Cadet Circuit, Singapore Leg

After two rounds of Poules, Kieron Kok Zi Hua was seeded 6th on entering the Direct Elimination stage of the Men’s Epee Individual event. The 15-year-old continued his fine form in the Under 17 tournament to book himself a spot in the Final – his first for the year.

Kieron faced strong challenge in the 2019 Asian Cadet Circuit, Singapore Leg, epee competition. Yet, he never let his guard down and succeeded in edging out his opponents over four bouts in the third round to book his place in the gold-medal playoff.

Throughout the competition, Kieron remained focused on his goal to finish well. While his opponents fenced, he watched and analysed their strategy and fencing styles – taking mental notes of their strengths and weaknesses before working with Sports School Head Coach Shim Jaesung to formulate counter-attacking strategies.

A strong mental game and good strategy proved to be success factors in the Singapore Sports School fencer’s victory in the the semi-final match against No. 2 Seed Xu Runze. He beat the Chinese fencer 15-11 to advance into the Final against compatriot Sito Jian Tong. Secondary 3’s Kieron eventually took home a silver medal on 24 August 2019. Simon Lee Renjie (Secondary 4) finished joint-3rd in the same event.

“I worked very hard to prepare for this competition so I’m relieved that my training paid off and very happy that I achieved this breakthrough. Training had intensified, increasing from the usual 2.5h to 4h in the afternoon session. I also became more aware of the food I was eating, cutting out junk food completely, which helped me feel fitter and stronger,” said Kieron.

“Coach Shim was with me every step of the way during my pre-competition preparation which started many weeks before, as well as while I was competing. He has a huge part to play in this win. My friends’ constant encouragement, telling me that I can do it, gave me more energy to fight on. Keeping a positive mindset also helped put me in the correct frame before each bout.”

Sports School’s Fencing Academy student-athletes won 2 silver and 2 bronze medals during the two-day tournament that concluded on 25 August.

RESULTS

Men’s Epee Individual

2nd – Kieron Kok Zi Hua

3rd – Simon Lee Renjie

Women’s Epee Individual

3rd – Elisa Tan Shu Tsi

Women’s Foil Individual

2nd – Cheung Kemei