Fencer Andrew has his work cut out to be a better athlete

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SOUTHPAW foil fencer Andrew Mok Vern-Han has been enjoying the rare privilege of having his own father as his mentor.

But, the 14-year-old admitted that it could be demanding when the Touche Fencing Club chief coach C.W. Mok is breathing down his neck as he keeps a watchful eye in monitoring his work rate and progress.

“Besides polishing up my skills, he has also included the physical regime to beef up my fitness at home. He is also constantly reminding me to get on the right track and follow the routine. He is quite tough on me,” the SMK Kota Kemuning Form Two student said.

Scaling greater heights: Andrew showing his seriousness to improve

Recently, Andrew has also began running for 35 minutes each session around his neighbourhood in Shah Alam to improve on his endurance.

“Generally, a left-handed exponent will have the advantage. He is quite skilful. But, he needs to be stronger physically and aim for consistency throughout the competition to survive the punishing pace in future competitions,” said Mok, adding that he will be introducing Andrew to light weights to strengthen his lower body and wrist work.

When Andrew picked up the swashbuckling action at the age of nine, he was under the care of former national men’s foil exponent Zainal Abidin, who is a trainer at the club.

At the beginning of this year, Mok took over the role in grooming Andrew when the youngster showed his keenness to scale greater heights.

“He is taking it more seriously as he matures. He showing interest in learning more about fencing through visuals and reading materials available on the Internet,” said Mok.

Sparring session: Southpaw Andrew (right) engaging in a bout against team mate Calvin Ong.

Currently, Andrew attends training with the other trainees at the club twice a week and the frequency will increase to up to four times as run up to competitions.

Although Andrew has not produced exceptional results thus far, Mok is taking a slow and steady approach in the nurturing process.

Over the past three years, Andrew has only finished as the top three performers in his age-group at the club-based meets.

“We are fielding him in junior competitions based on the field rather than age-group for him to gain better exposure,” Mok said.

This year, he was the quarter-finalist at both the second National Grand Prix boys’ Under-23 and National Junior Circuit boys’ Under-19 tournaments.

In the quarter-final of the national grand prix, Andrew missed his chance to pick up a bronze medal when he went down in the closely contested bout by a point.

And Andrew will be eyeing for a spot in making his debut at the biennial Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Malacca next year.

“He is ranked among the top 15 junior foil exponents in the country. He has a fighting chance to earn a place in the state team.

“But, he has to prove himself against contenders from other training centres hoping to make the cut in an open selection,” said Mok, adding they will be lining up a long-term plan for the trio of Syed Adil Emir Putra, Calvin Ong and Andrew to form a formidable side and vie for honours in the team event at junior level.

FACT FILE

Name: Andrew Mok Vern-Han
Date of Birth: Oct 16 1995
Ht: 1.67m Wt: 55kg
School: SMK Kota Kemuning (Form Two)
Hobbies: Reading, basketball, badminton
Ambition: Businessman
Coach: C.W. Mok

Achievements:

2007
- Touche foil circuit boys’ Under- 12 third (first and second leg)
- Touche foil circuit boys’ Under- 12 runner-up (third leg and grand finals)

2008
- Touche foil circuit boys’ Under- 15 runner-up (first, third and grand finals)
- Touche foil circuit boys’ Under- 15 champion (second leg)
- Touche foil circuit boys’ Under- 15 joint overall champion
- Inter-school mixed team Under-15 third

2009
- Touche foil circuit boys’ Under- 14 runner-up (second leg)
- Touche foil circuit boys’ Under- 16 third (third leg)
- Touche foil circuit boys’ Under- 14 third (grand finals)
- Sri Garden-Federal Territories Amateur Fencing Association meet boys’ Under-16 runner-up
- Hong Kong Fencing School boys’ Under-14 third
- Inter-school mixed team Under-16 runner-up
- Second National Grand Prix boys’ Under-23 quarter-finalist
- National Junior Circuit boys’ Under-19 quarter-finalist