Krista Dyer’s quest for glory at the World Games in Chengdu, China, ended in disappointment yesterday when she was beaten in the bronze-medal fight.

However, the Bermudian kickboxer was pleased with her performance in a 2-0 defeat by Menaalla Aly, of Egypt, in the women’s 70kg division — a full weight class above her regular fighting level in the Sanda discipline.

“I have to say that, overall, I’ve had a fantastic experience at the World Games,” Dyer told The Royal Gazette.

“The organisation of the event, the care that all the volunteers and officials are giving to the athletes and support staff is just top-notch. The event was such a spectacle and really entertaining.”

Reflecting on her display, Dyer stated that while she was pleased with some parts, there were facets of her full-contact combat sport that need attention.

“In terms of my performance, there were definitely elements that I’m very proud of,” she said. “There were some elements of my game plan that I was able to execute really well. But I also had areas that I need to improve on — it’s just that when you’re up against top-level competition, it becomes apparent.

“To help improve some elements of my Sanda, next week I’ll be doing a training camp at the Chengdu Sports University. I hope to learn a lot of new things in anticipation for the World Wushu Championships in Brazil.”

Garon Wilkinson, the head coach and Bermuda Sanshou Association president, was satisfied with the athlete’s performance.

“I was really pleased with her performance, particularly competing in a weight class higher than her typical 65kg category,” Wilkinson said.

“She was fortunate to receive a bye in the quarter-finals to be pushed to the semi-finals, where she had a tough match against Iran, who went on to win the competition.

“In the bronze-medal match, Krista was very much in the contest. Her performance was great; the scorecards were really close over the two rounds.

“This was the second time that Bermuda has participated at the World Games. I had the privilege of participating at the World Games in 2013 in Cali, Colombia, and the calibre of the presentation and the competition is just amazing.”

With Dyer set to compete at the World Wushu Championships, from August 31 to September 7, Wilkinson believes her participation in Chengdu gives her a head start.

“We are a couple of weeks out from the World Wushu Championships in Brazil,” he said. “This particular tournament was great preparation for that.

“Krista has a few days of recovery and then she’s going to be back in Chengdu to train at the Chengdu Sports University.

“I had the privilege to train at their facility the day we arrived in China on August 7. It gave me a taste of what she will undergo for the week of training that she’s here, and I’m certain that it will pay off.”