Wen Ching roars to 9.44, knock Xuan Long off top spot

GENTING HIGHLANDS: Wen Ching Dragon and Lion Dance from Kelapa Sawit, Johor, raised the bar in the semi-final of the 21st Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship with a dazzling 9.44-point performance at Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting today (Sept 26).

The ninth troupe to take the stage, Wen Ching delivered a clean and fluid routine packed with energy, drawing loud cheers from the crowd as the semi-final competition resumed after the lunch break.

Wen Ching Dragon and Lion Dance from Kelapa Sawit, Johor, delivered a high-energy routine to surge into the lead with 9.44 points.

With no penalty incurred, their 9.44 points edged past the 9.35 scored by defending champions Xuan Long Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe earlier in the day.

Wen Ching’s performance featured smooth footwork, strong coordination and plenty of energy, immediately putting them at the top of the standings and turning up the pressure on the remaining contenders.

Xuan Long had earlier set the benchmark with a strong performance of their own, impressing the crowd with sharp footwork and earning scores above nine from nine judges.

But the defending champions now have a new target to chase.

With 11 more troupes still waiting to perform, Wen Ching’s 9.44 remains under threat as the battle for the 10 spots in tomorrow’s final intensifies.

Wen Ching Dragon and Lion Dance from Kelapa Sawit, Johor, delivered a high-energy routine to surge into the lead with 9.44 points.

For Xuan Long, meanwhile, their 9.35 will have to withstand the remaining challengers if they are to keep their hopes of retaining the national crown alive.