KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s Cherry Yeo Xiao We could have been Malaysia’s first world champion in dancesport, but a decision to not take part in the national selection for the solo category in August has cost her dearly.
Despite this setback, she still did the country proud over the weekend by bagging three gold medals at the Mallorca Dance Festival (MDF) in Calvia, Spain.
Cherry shined brightly in the solo competition taking home gold in the MDF Youth Solo Female Latin, the World Dancesport Federation (WDSF) Youth Solo Female Latin, and Adult Solo Female Latin categories.
Speaking to Scoop, Malaysia Dancesport Federation (MYDF) sports director Chua Zjen Fong said Cherry could have secured Malaysia’s first world champion title in dancesport.
“This win was unexpected. Cherry initially focused on pairs as opposed to solo events (during the national selection).
“She and her partner are ranked fourth in the country. However, her partner, Anson Phang Jun Keat, could not participate in Spain due to financial constraints.
“With that Cherry shifted her focus to the solo event just two months before leaving for Spain.
“Unfortunately, she did not take part in the national selection for the solo event in August, thus she is ineligible for the world championships,” said Zjen Fong.
He added that the world champion had competed against Cherry in the World Ranking Open and was defeated by the 18-year-old Malaysian.
Traditionally, Latin and Standard dances are performed in pairs, but solo categories now provide a platform for more talents to shine on the international stage.
This year’s MDF featured the WDSF World Ranking Open Competitions and the World Championships.
In total, the Malaysian contingent was made up of 10 athletes and three coaches, all self-funded.
Zjen Fong said MYDF applied for funding from the Youth and Sports Ministry, but received no response before departing for Spain.
“We have never received any funding so we are actually hoping the sports ministry can allocate a small fund for dancesport.
“We are not asking for RM10-50 million a year, just one or two, or RM3 million a year is more than enough.
“With the money you can boost a team of people, not just a few individuals,” he added. – November 14, 2023