Three Filipino bets gun for gold in pencak silat

The Philippines finally made a cut in sensi (form) competition, snaring a bronze medal even as three Pinoys barged into the finals of the tanding event in the 23rd SEA Games pencak silat competition at 9:00 a.m. today at the Cebu Coliseum.

A total of 13 gold medals are at stake in today's last day of competition with Vietnam vying for eight golds followed by Indonesia with five finalists.

The trio of Donabel Gelera, Carla Arang and Emeraida Asmad, displayed poise and grace but could only settle for bronze to prevent a medal shut out for the Filipinos in women's regu Friday night.

The impressive performance by the Filipino trio, who went to Indonesia for a specialized training in this event, finished their exhibition in two minutes and 58 seconds, just two minutes behind of the three-minute time allowance which could have earned them a demerit, to tally a total of 449 points.

"Their performance was good. Medyo kinulang lang sila sa time, sayang. They deserve a silver medal," said Suhartono, who is set to be retiring as RP's coach after the SEAG.

The Philippines was one point behind silver medallist Singapore, posting 450 points courtesy of Fatma Binte Abdul Halid, Raden Mas Ayu Bte Ali and Nordianawati Bte Sadali, while Indonesia's Pudji Dwiriyanti, Suryani and Mila Lusiana bagged gold.

On the other hand, Adzhar Abdurassad, still recovering from an injury, exceeded six seconds in his performance to earn a low mark of 420 points in the men's tunngal.

Adzhar was brought in a private hospital two days ago when he collapsed after absorbing a strong blow on his jaw during his match in the 55-60kgs tanding event against a Singaporean.

"He was doing well in the elimination but it really affected his performance. It's okay we cannot push him," said Suhartono.

Ekowahyudi of Indonesia claimed the gold, while Vienam's Nguyen Viet Anh snatched silver medal.

Meantime, Chrisopher Yabut, Marniel Dimla and lone woman fighter Annaliza Bea are RP's last bets to win gold but they will be treading a difficult path as they all book a fight against the titans from Vietnam. World-champion Yabut is sighting to exceed his silver finish in last SEAG when he faces off a rookie player Vietnam Tran Van Toan in men's 50-55kgs, although, without sounding complacent as his opponent can pull off a surprise coming from a powerhouse country who won over-all champion with 11 gold medals.

Cebuano Dimla, on the other hand, will just keep his fingers crossed when he meets a dangerous opponent in World champion Dinh Cong Son of Vietnam, undefeated in his weight category 70-75kgs since 1997.

"Nakalaban ko na siya dati pero pilde tanan. Lisod siya sudlan kay defensive player siya unya maayo kaayo iyang timing," said Dimla. Bea, who served as a replacement to RP's injured player takes on Vietnam's Hyunh Thi Thu Hong in the women's 50-55kgs in the afternoon match.