Array
(
    [_edit_lock] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1699927846:18
        )

    [tdc_dirty_content] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [tdc_icon_fonts] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:0:{}
        )

    [_thumbnail_id] => Array
        (
            [0] => 134909
        )

    [_edit_last] => Array
        (
            [0] => 18
        )

    [_post_language] => Array
        (
            [0] => English
        )

    [_molongui_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-103529
        )

    [_molongui_main_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-103529
        )

    [td_post_theme_settings] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:1:{s:11:"td_subtitle";s:133:"One part of the fourth ranked duo in the country, Cherry shifted her focus to the solo event just two months before leaving for Spain";}
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_primary_category] => Array
        (
            [0] => 601
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_metadesc] => Array
        (
            [0] => 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.
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_content_score] => Array
        (
            [0] => 30
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes] => Array
        (
            [0] => 2
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_wordproof_timestamp] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [post_views_count] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1837
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_arr] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:7:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:1;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:4;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:5;a:3:{s:4:"date";s:10:"1753564451";s:5:"count";i:1;s:14:"per_hour_count";a:1:{i:21;i:1;}}i:6;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}}
        )

    [post_view_7days_last_day] => Array
        (
            [0] => 5
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_last_date] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1753564451
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_total] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [post_views_last_24_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [post_views_last_48_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

)
Despite selection snub, Cherry Yeo shines with triple gold at Mallorca Dance Festival | Scoop
Cherry Yeo Xiao We won the gold in three categories: the MDF Youth Solo Female Latin, the World Dancesport Federation (WDSF) Youth Solo Female Latin, and Adult Solo Female Latin categories. – Pic courtesy of Malaysia Dancesport Federation, November 14, 2023
Sports

Despite selection snub, Cherry Yeo shines with triple gold at Mallorca Dance Festival

One part of the fourth ranked duo in the country, Cherry shifted her focus to the solo event just two months before leaving for Spain

Main Author Image
Faizal Salim
Updated
10:00 AM MYT

 

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

Topics

 

◉ Popular

Can Malaysians be more friendly? Country 24th in friendliness, welcome for expats

2024 ranking a slide from 15th spot in previous year, locals in Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand easier to befriend

No bad blood with BAM: James Chua to lead Czech Republic badminton team

Former Malaysia Open champion clarifies his resignation, citing career growth as he prepares to take on the head coach role in Europe next month

Raya rush: bus tickets for east coast states sold out, says Loke

More than 220,000 express bus tickets from a total of 330,000 have been sold at the Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS) for the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities, and tickets to the east coast states have been completely sold out, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke

◉ Related

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.