Sweet sweep in triathlon

RAYONG, December 18 ------ As their brothers and sisters in arms were still gearing for the day’s grind, the gritty triathletes were already up and about, gamely taking the task of giving Team Philippines a sizzling start. With cold efficiency, the swim-bike-run aces swept up the three relay events played at Laem Mae Phim Beach to get the gold-mining business in Day 8 of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games off and running yesterday.

Six-time SEAG champion Kim Mangrobang, youth standout Kira Ellis and Raven Alcoseba roared to victory in the All-Women Relay race (1:10.14) then Fer Casares, Inaki Lorbes and Matthew Justine Hermosa duplicated the feat in the All-Men Relay (1:04:05) before Ellis, Casares and Alcoseba returned to annex the Mixed Relay (1:30:31) with Kim Remolino.

Filipino warriors battling in the main hub nearly 200 kilometers to the north as well as those in neighboring Chonburi took the cue and added five more mints to match the contingent’s standing biggest single-day quarry of eight.

Islay Bomogao and LJ Yasay struck hard and reigned in muay’s women’s -45kg and men’s -51kg divisions, respectively, while Sibol Men completed a four-peat in esports’ Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Men’s in their battlefields in Bangkok.

Dhenver John Castillo sparkled on the waters of Pattaya, dominating the men’s U19 IQ Foil Class of windsurfing (total 30 and Net of 19) while Melvin Sacay stamped his class in modern pentathlon laser run (10:41) in a nearby arena along Jomtien Beach.

Wednesday’s bounties jacked up Team Philippines’ golden tally to 37 along with 53 silvers and 122 bronzes as of 8 p.m. (Manila time). The Filipinos stayed at sixth behind Malaysia (38-45-105).

Serving as fire-starters were lady triathletes Ellis and Alcoseba and male ace Casares, who emerged as double-gold winners at the scenic beachfront. Ellis and Alcoseba joined forces with Mangrobang in the tone-setting conquest of the All-Women Relay at 1:10:14 over rivals from Indonesia (1:10:48) and Singapore (1:12:00). “Super deserved po. Lahat po kami pinaghirapan ito at ginawa ang kanya kanyang role,” said Alcoseba who served as gap-bridger for both the ladies and mixed crews, helping the latter overcome a one-minute gap to complete the shutout.

Ellis, 19, became the most bemedalled of the lot after two days of action. Aside from the two triathlon relay golds, she was part of the teams that earned silvers in the women’s and mixed teams in the aquathlon relays the other day. “I’m so proud of the team,” said Ellis, a last-minute change in the All-Women play. “Double-gold today, that’s crazy and the boys got gold as well. So, a Philippine sweep today. It’s nice to hear our anthem three times.”

A world champion in 2023 and unbeaten as a pro in ONE Championship, Bomogao outclassed Thailand’s Arissara Non Eiad, 29-28, after winning two rounds in the nervy finale. “Sobrang saya ko po kasi I won versus the host country,” said Bomagao. “’Yung kalaban ko, superstar talaga siya dito. It feels so nice to beat someone at that level.”

Yasay showed his devastating form in knocking out Malaysia’s Rumijam Insyad in the second round. “Lagi ko iniisip ‘yung sinasabi nila coach na always believe in yourself and always believe in God,” said Yasay.

Meanwhile, traditional goldmine boxing moved in position for two potential mints with Eumir Marcial (men’s 80kg) and Aira Villegas (women’s 50) disposing of their respective semifinal opponents yesterday. Marcial knocked Vietnam’s Manh Cuing Nguyen out while Villegas beat Mya Moe Thu by unanimous decision to join Flint Jara (men’s 54kg) and Jay Brian Baricuatro (men’s 48kgs) in the finals. Pro Weljon Mindoro, however, dropped a 0-5 decision to Vietnam’s Phuoc Tung Bui to settle for the bronze.

Tennis sensation Alex Eala fell short in her bid for the mixed doubles gold as she and partner Francis Casey Alcantara bowed to Patcharin Cheapchandej and Pawit Sornlaksup, 7–5, 5–7, 7–10, in the Last 4. This should motivate Eala more as she shoots for the women’s singles tiara against Sawangkaew Manangchaya  tomorrow.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino remains confident that Team Philippines will deliver more gold medals in the final three days of competition. Tolentino, who personally visited the athletes in action at different playing venues to show his support, expressed optimism as several Filipino athletes are set to compete in events where the country has traditionally excelled. He said the Filipino athletes are well-positioned for a strong finishing kick. “Marami pa ‘yan. Itong last three days mabibigat mga ‘yan. Nandiyan ‘yung peak. Ang tingin ko diyan 15 up pa,” said Tolentino.

Source: philstar.com