Anis Sabrina bags silver in Malaysia fencing meet

HAJAH Anis Sabrina binti Haji Yahya of Laksamana College of Business bagged silver in the Individual Women’s Sabre event of the 3rd ASEAN University Fencing Championship 2019 in Nilai University, Malaysia last weekend.

Anis Sabrina beat Singapore’s Rachel Mark 15-9 in the second round, before advancing to the quarter-final against top seeded compatriot Wardatul ‘Izzah Ramzuna. She overcame her teammate 15-8 to book her place in the semi-final. Anis defeated Cambodian fencer Nich Sorn 15-12 in the last four, but eventually lost to Malaysia’s Tai Li Suet 15-2 to settle for silver.

“In the first round, I did not do very well and was ranked nine out of 18 fencers. I was able to gather my emotions in the direct elimination round and managed to win against Singapore and Cambodia. It was unfortunate that I have to go against my teammate in the quarterfinal,” she said.

Anis expressed her satisfaction and vowed that this victory will only serve her well for future competitions.

“In the finals, I knew it was going to be difficult against the Malaysian national fencer who played in the previous Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Overall, I am satisfied with the achievement and I felt there are more improvement for skills, techniques and competition exposure. This milestone will inspire me to train harder and get more experience to develop my mental strength,” she said.

She thanked the Brunei Darussalam Fencing Federation and others who have supported her.

The Brunei fencing team left for the championship last Friday, led by coach Rocky Poerawinata. The team comprised Anaqi Danish Asahrin from Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College for the Men’s Sabre, while Wardatul ‘Izzah Ramzana from Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Hajah Anis Sabrina binti Haji Yahya from Laksamana College of Business and Norhaziqah binti Zamri from Sheffield Hallam University took part in the Women’s Sabre.

Hajah Anis Sabrina binti Haji Yahya (C) with teammates and coach