The IWUF 11th Sanda World Cup, organized by the International Wushu Federation and hosted by the Wushu General Association of Macau, officially kicked off on May 13 at the Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion. The first day’s competition was divided into two sessions 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM featuring a total of 21 intense bouts. Sanda athletes from around the world gathered together, showcasing their technique, tactics, and willpower inside the ring. Among them, semifinals were contested in seven weight categories to determine the final berths.
Morning Session
The morning session featured 12 bouts, including semifinals and first-round round-robin bouts across seven weight classes.
In the women’s 48kg semifinal, Chinese athlete Du Yuxia defeated Indonesia’s Nasya AULIA ZAHRA WAHANA 2-0 to advance to the final. In the other semifinal of the same category, Vietnam’s Nguyễn Thị Lan beat Macao, China’s Liang Xuezhen 2-0 and also secured a place in the final.
In the women’s 52kg semifinal, India’s Aparna defeated the Philippines’Jenifer KILAPIO 2-0 to reach the final first. In the other semifinal, Vietnam’s NgôThị Phương Nga and Indonesia’s Tharisa DEA FLORENTINA battled through three rounds; NgôThị Phương Nga scored repeatedly with clever throws to win 2-1 in a thrilling decider and set up a final clash with Aparna.
In the men’s 52kg semifinal, China’s OU Jiaming beat the Philippines’Russel DIAZ 2-0 to advance. Vietnam’s VAN TAM Dinh also progressed after defeating Indonesia’s Fereddy SINAGA by point difference. The two will meet in the final of this category.
In the men’s 56kg semifinal, Vietnam’s VAN DOAN Hua and AIN neutral athlete each won their respective bouts 2-0 and advanced together to the final.
In the men’s 60kg semifinal, China’s Wang Zunlong defeated the Philippines’Gideon FRED PADUA 2-0; Armenia’s Arsen BAGHRYAN, after dropping the first round, turned the match around with a crucial “leg‑catch throw”in the decisive round, beating PARK Geonsu of Republic of Korea 2-1 to earn a ticket to the final.
In the first round of round‑robin competition, Vietnam’s Nguyen THI THU THUY in women’s 52kg went the distance and won 2-1 against her Indonesian opponent. In women’s 60kg, local favorite ZHU Wenshan of Macao, China thrilled the home crowd, using powerful combinations and side kicks to shut down the Indian challenger, winning 2‑0 to give the host a great start.
Evening Session
The evening session comprised nine bouts, with an energized atmosphere inside the arena.
In the men’s 75kg semifinal, China’s JIN Gensheng faced a strong challenge from local athlete FONG Chi Hin of Macao, China but prevailed through textbook offense‑defense transitions and a technical superiority win. Republic of Korea’s SONG Gicheol controlled the tempo throughout and cruised past his Brazilian opponent 2-0. JIN and SONG will now meet in the final of this weight class.
The men’s 80kg semifinal featured a high-level showdown. Belarus’ Andrei MIADZUN narrowly edged out his Brazilian rival 2-1 in a fierce close‑quarters battle. Algeria’s Marouane Adimi defeated the Kazakh athlete 2-0 to advance proudly to the final.
In the first round of round‑robin bouts, several athletes claimed opening victories. In men’s 48kg, India’s Kushal KUMAR won by technical superiority. In men’s 70kg, Vietnam’s VAN CHUONG Truong secured a win by point difference. Additionally, in men’s 65kg, the Philippines’Xander ALIPIO, in men’s 85kg, Egypt’s Alhussein WAHDAN, and Cai Jiahao from Hong Kong, China, in the 100kg category all triumphed 2‑0 over their respective opponents, earning their first victories of the tournament.
