PHNOM PENH: When Tan Cheong Min steps onto the mat at the Sea Games here tomorrow, the wushu exponent has to forget that she is a world champion.
The 25-year-old would be a target, and she has to perform confidently to ace the women's Nanquan (Southern fist) event.
Cheong Min first made her presence felt by finishing fourth at the 2018 Indonesia Asian Games before securing a gold (Nandao - Southern broadsword) and silver (Nanquan) at the world championships in Shangai a year later.
She claimed that she has no issues in handling expectations and feels the pressure could be a blessing in disguise.
"Pressure is good for athletes as it will motivate them to perform better," said the Melaka-born.
"Everyone wants to beat a world champion. So, I have to perform well here to win the title.
"I do not think about my past records. I always start from zero in competitions," said Cheong Min, who did not compete in the 2019 Manila and 2022 Hanoi editions.
"My event was not part of the last two Sea Games."
Cheong Min said an encouraging performance in Phnom Penh would give her confidence for the Hangzhou Asian Games later this year.
"It is my first competition this year, and I want to do well. It is a chance to test my routine before the Asian Games.
"In the 2018 Asian Games, my points were deducted during my routine, and I subsequently finished fourth. However, I have learned from that experience and am doing better now.
"I want to be in my best shape for the Asian Games in Hangzhou," she added.
