KUCHING: Sabahan Krischelle Jade Cheong emerged as champion in the Juvenile II Solo Samba category at the Sarawak International Open Dancesport Championship 2025, held on September 20th at the Borneo Convention Centre in Kuching, where it was Sarawak’s first time hosting the international event.
She came with six other dancers who represented Sabah for the championship. Accompanied by Exco members and representatives from the Sabah Ballroom Dance Association (SBDA), led by its President Harold Chung, the athletes competed across various categories, showcasing their skills and earning national recognition.
The event was organised by the Sarawak DanceSport Association (SDA). SDA President Chester Lim said the success of the event exceeded expectations.
The championship attracted top contestants from various Asian countries, all demonstrating exceptional dance skills and sportsmanship.
Lim noted that organising the event was highly demanding and required weeks of meticulous planning to ensure smooth execution and focus throughout.
Krischelle, besides champion in the Juvenile II Solo Samba category, she also earned 2nd runner-up in Latin Grade A Juvenile II Solo, 5th place in Latin Grade A Junior I Solo, 1st runner-up in Juvenile II Solo Cha Cha Cha and Jive, and 2nd runner-up in Juvenile II Solo Rumba and Paso Doble.
Among other standout performers from Sabah was Danisha Ashley Wong, who secured fourth place in the Latin Grade A Junior II Solo category.
She also reached the semi-finals in multiple events, including Latin Grade A Junior I Solo, Junior Solo I Samba, Junior I Solo Cha Cha, Junior Solo I Jive, Junior Solo I Rumba, Junior I Solo Paso Doble, and Junior I Solo Waltz. Desiree Chua Wen Tyng delivered a strong performance, placing fifth in Latin Grade A Juvenile II Solo and reaching the semi-finals in Latin Grade A Junior I Solo.
She also earned second runner-up in Juvenile II Solo Samba, and 4th place in Cha Cha Cha, Jive, Rumba, and Paso Doble within the same category.
Ashley Chua Wen Shuen competed in the Youth Solo division, achieving fifth place in Standard Grade A Youth Solo and Youth Solo Waltz, fourth place in Youth Solo Tango and Quickstep, and sixth place in Latin Grade A Youth Solo. She also placed fifth in Youth Solo Cha Cha Cha, Samba, and Jive, and sixth in Rumba and Paso Doble.
Meanwhile, Anastasia Chung was a semi-finalist for Latin Grade A Junior I Solo.
The Sabah team’s participation and achievements reflect the growing strength and talent of the state’s dancesport community.
Their performances not only brought pride to Sabah but also highlighted the dedication and discipline of young dancers in the region.