SELANGOR: It was their first pairing at the Games, but Eason Lau Hui Wan and Wee Yi Qi produced a golden partnership as Sarawak fought back to beat Kedah 151-150 in the mixed compound team event today (Aug 21).
The pair overcame Kedah’s Muhammad Zaim and Ili Nabihan Shafizan by fighting back in the final two ends to secure the gold medal.
The victory was particularly special for Eason, 21, as it marked his first SUKMA medal and gold after making his Games debut in 2022.
Eason, who is from Sibu and trains at Universiti Malaya, admitted he felt nervous during the final but was able to settle down whenever Wee produced strong shots.
“I felt okay, but I was a bit nervous. When I shot a nine and she shot a 10, she covered me and I could calm down and shoot again,” he said.
Wee, who has been competing in archery for six years and recently switched from recurve to compound, said their success came from helping each other throughout the match.
“We try to help each other. When I shoot, he also helps me,” she said.
Eason said he felt more relaxed once they reached the final because they were guaranteed a medal, allowing them to focus on enjoying the competition.
“Before the semi-final, I was nervous, but when we entered the final, I felt less nervous because we were guaranteed a medal. So I just enjoyed the game,” he told reporters at Stadium INSPEN.
The pair had not trained together regularly before the Games, with their preparations taking place at different locations.
Eason said this was their first time being paired together at a major competition, making the victory even more meaningful.
“We did not train together before this. We trained at different places, so this was the first time we were paired together for a Games. If we can get this result the first time, I feel proud,” he said.
The pair built their chemistry through team-building activities and joint training over about a month, including two weeks in Bandung and another two weeks at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
The gold also gave Eason a memorable finish to his SUKMA career, with the 21-year-old confirming this would be his final Games.
His previous SUKMA appearance was in 2022, when he competed in recurve and finished fourth without winning a medal.
“This is my first medal, and my first gold,” he said.
Both Eason and Wee dedicated their victory to their parents, coaches and teammates.
