Spectators watching the semi-finals today in Macau were in for a real treat, the biggest names in Asian amateur muaythai jumped the ropes for the semi-final bouts. And hometown hero Tak Cheun surpassed all expectations when he took on The World Games and FISU WUC champion from Kazakhstan … winning in a blistering three rounds.
The stands were packed today for the semi-finals in both men’s and women’s divisions. The host team had four athletes in action, three men and one woman.
Si Long Tam won her place in the final in a tough battle with Malaysia’s Chan Jia Yi This went down to the final seconds as the women won a round each with Si Long taking a 29-28 point victory. She said afterwards this was a dream come true for her, she never thought to see her name listed on a FAMA or IFMA medal -sheet. Si Long faces Thailand tomorrow.
But the biggest roar of the evening came when Tak Cheun Suen faced off against Yelaman Sayassatov at 54kg. Yelaman has been on a winning streak lately taking titles at the toughest competiions, and silver at the IFMA World Championships. Today’s bout got off to a fast start with Tak Cheun powering in a looping overhead left hand that met the target every-time and following with knees to the body. He led by one point after the first round, with Yelaman fighting back with elbows and spinning back-kicks. The third round had the crowd on their feet, with glowing hearts and flashing lights coming from the Macau stands – proving again that competing at home can light an athlete to new heights as Tak Cheun took the win clearly on points.
Now the question is can he win gold tomorrow against Thai champion Arthorn Nontakod ?
Team Kazakhstan didn’t really have a great day at the office judging by their high standards today, with Ilyass Hbibali UAE taking the win against Ivan Van Khon Tun in Ring A to the delight of the Arabic supportorts. Ilyas won gold at the Under-23 level at the World Championships in Mexico, and looks set for an equally strong senior career.
Full results available daily – broken down round by round for an easy-to-follow path to gold – on IFMA Live
Full album of photos including those in this post from the Macau LOC on IFMA Facebook
More coverage on:
IFMA Instagram (See the Stories for athlete interviews!) IFMA Twitter and of course live action on the IFMA Youtube Channel.
