Wen Ching roars into national final as defending champs settle for joint third

GENTING HIGHLANDS: Wen Ching Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe from Kelapa Sawit, Johor, will carry the momentum into today’s 21st Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship final after topping yesterday’s semi-final with 9.44 points.

The Johor troupe stole the spotlight at Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting, with a clean and fluid routine packed with energy, precision and difficult movements.

Lion dance teams put on a thrilling display during the semi-finals of the 21st Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship yesterday.

Lion dance teams put on a thrilling display during the semi-finals of the 21st Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship yesterday.

They edged fellow Kelapa Sawit outfit Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Xi Nan, which finished second with 9.36 points.

Defending champions Xuan Long Rawang Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe were forced to settle for joint third after scoring 9.35 points, the same mark as Penang Meihu Culture and Sports Association.

Wen Ching’s penalty-free performance set the benchmark early, with its smooth footwork and tight coordination drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

Kuala Lumpur’s Kwong Ngai Lion Dance finished fifth with 9.25 points, followed by Kwong Ngai Lion Dance from Penang with 8.92 and Persatuan Penganut Buddha Seng Fatt Kampar from Perak with 8.85.

Persatuan Penganut Agama Sin Ong Dian from Labuan and Pertubuhan Kebudayaan Kesenian dan Kesukanan Tawau completed the top 10 with 8.58 and 8.57 points respectively.

Sin Ong Kong Temple Lion Dance from Labuan secured the final qualifying spot with 8.24 points after a 0.90-point penalty.

Lion dance teams put on a thrilling display during the semi-finals of the 21st Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship yesterday.

The 10 qualifiers will now battle it out for the national crown in today’s final, scheduled for noon.

With Wen Ching leading the charge and defending champions Xuan Long Rawang still in contention, the final is set for another intense showdown among the country’s top lion dance troupes.