PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – As expected, Agatha Wong clinched a wushu gold for the Philippines in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games after a pair of dazzling performances in the women’s combined taijiquan and taijijian events Friday at the Chroy Changvar Convention Center here.

She totaled 19.263 points after posting 9.580 in taijiquan and 9.683 in taijijian to capture her fifth SEA Games gold overall.

Wong bagged back-to-back taijiquan titles in 2017 and 2019 and claimed two consecutive taijijian crowns in 2019 and 2021.

Cambodian organizers merged the two events into one and Wong still emerged triumphant despite the low expectations she set for herself.

“I didn’t expect to win because I’m also a med student. I’m in my first year of medicine,” said Wong, who returned to school after graduating with a Diplomatic Affairs degree from the College of St. Benilde in 2018.

“It’s not easy for me to balance my training and studies,” she added.

Wong finished third behind Malaysia’s Sydney Chin (19.196) and Brunei’s Basma Lachkar (19.160) – who settled for silver and bronze, respectively, – after the taijiquan segment on Wednesday but surged ahead with a masterful showing in taijijian.

“Pag gusto mo, may paraan. Mahirap siya pero kakayanin kasi I really like this sport,” said Wong.

Wushu also delivered bronze medals in taolu thanks to Sandrex Gainsan (men’s jianshu + qiangshu) and in sanda behind Carlos Baylon (men’s 56kg), Russel Diaz (men’s 52kg), and Jenifer Kilapio (women’s 48kg).