NATIONAL foil specialist Natasha Ezzra Abu Bakar (pic) is glad she is left-handed.
Natasha, who on Friday conceded only one point to Selangor's Nur Amalina Tukiman in the Malaysia Games women's individual foil final, yesterday helped Johor to victory over Negri Sembilan in women's team foil final at the National Sports Complex, and claimed that being a ‘lefty’ has its advantages in the sport.
“A lot of (right-handed) fencers do not know what to expect and find it awkward when they have to face a left-hander as there are not many of them in the sport, especially in Malaysia." said Natasha.
“On the other hand, we (left-handers) have many opportunities to get used to facing right-handed fencers, so it is quite an advantage.” The 20-year-old Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS) student has already won five gold, two silver and three bronze medals from four Malaysia Games but is gunning for success at the Asian Fencing Championships in South Korea next month.
“It will be quite exciting for me as this will be the first time I will be competing at the championships where the best fencers from Asia will be competing,” said N at a s h a .
Defending champions Johor were handed an easy win in the final of the women's team foil event as opponents Negri Sembilan had to retire while trailing 15-16 when their reserve fencer Nurul Ismanorashafir Ismail, who had only just replaced teammate Anis Shaqireen, suffered a knee injury and could not continue to compete rendering the Negri team short of a player.
Meanwhile, Selangor beat Johor 45-32 in the men's epee final for the gold, while Johor later redeemed themselves in the men's team sabre final with a close 45-40 win over Kuala Lumpur.
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