Triathlon delivered as promised on Saturday, May 14, sweeping the men’s and women’s individual gold medals and perking up the Filipinos’ campaign in the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Kim Mangrobang, 30, broke away from the pack in the bike leg of the 1.5-kilometer (km) swim, 40-km bike, and 10-km run event in Tuan Chau island en route to her third straight crown in 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 31 seconds.
Filipino-Spanish Fernando Tan Casares, 26, proved a worthy successor to compatriot John Leerams “Rambo” Chicano, topping the men’s race in 1:56.57.
Andrew Kim Remolino of Cebu City and Raven Faith Alcoseba settled for the men’s silver and women’s bronze, respectively.
“We were expecting this in the first place, but we never relaxed despite the confidence we have. They still did their homework,” national triathlete coach George Vilog said in a news release.
The two gold medals raised the country’s haul to seven as of noon.
In women’s individual golf at Heron Lake golf course, Lois Kaye Go fought back with a three-under 69 while Mafy Singson had a 70 after the second round as they moved into position for at least a bronze medal.
With a 145 total, the Cebuana Go is far behind Thai leader Natthakritta Vongtaveelap, who fired a second straight 67 to all but wrap up the coveted gold at 10-under 134.
Their men’s counterparts virtually bowed out of the medal hunt as Jet Hernandez settled for an even par 72 after a 74 for 146, Gab Manotoc carded a 75 for 149, and Jed Dy faltered with a 76 for 150. Kristoffer Arevalo ended up with a 79 for 157.
Thailand poised itself for a sweep of the two individual golds as Asit Areephan scorched the course with a six-under 66 to storm past compatriot Weerawish Narkprachar with a 138 total for a two-shot lead with one round left.
Still the champs
Past midnight, kickboxers Gina Iniong-Araos and Jean Claude Saclag retained their crowns at Bac Ninh Gymnasium here.
Iniong-Araos, 32, of Baguio City, scored a 2-1 victory over the bigger and wider Jaiteang Waraporn of Thailand in the women’s low kick 60-kilogram finals.
Not to be outdone, Saclag matched the aggressiveness and savvy of another Thai, Chaleamlap Santidongsakum, for a similar 2-1 decision in the men’s 63.5 kg low kick finals.
The Filipino kickboxers finished their stint with a harvest of two gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.
The host ruled the event at 5-0-6, followed by Thailand (2-4-6).
“Naging challenge sa akin ang mga negative comment ng marami na kesyo sabi nila, ‘ano ba ‘yan? nanganak na lalaban pa. Ba’t ‘di na lang alaagan ang anak?’ (I was challenged by negative comments that I shouldn’t be competing anymore because I already have a child and should just concentrate on raising her),” said Araos, the mother of a two-year-old girl.
At Hoa Binh City on Sunday, John Derick Farr and Lea Denise Belgira will defend their titles at the start of the mountain bike downhill events. (PR) – gb
