CEBU, Philippines - University of Cebu's Ernesto Ybañez, Jr. bagged the first gold for Central Visayas in the Philippine Collegiate Games (formerly the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA), which opened yesterday at the Quirino Enriquez Sports Complex in Zamboanga City.
Ybañez was a consistent silver medalist in the previous stagings of the multi-sport event but this year turns out to be his biggest break as he finally secured his first gold in long jump event after leaping to a distance of 6.85 meters.
“I was longing to win the gold medal for the past three years and I'm happy I made it this year. I thank the Lord for his guidance and for granting my prayers,” said the 19-year-old junior criminology student.
Jorry Ycong of Southwestern University got a silver medal in the 1,500m long distance run, while Angeles Arnibal of Bohol added bronze in high jump after clearing a height of 1.45m.
In the lawn tennis, Central Visayas booked championship and semifinal tickets in women and men’s divisions, respectively.
Sally Dine Siso of the University of San Carlos (USC) thrashed Western Visayas in the women’s singles, 7-7 (7-3), while the tandem of Julie Ann Jopia and Jenevev Petecio blanked Western Visayas, 8-0, in the doubles event.
In the men’s bracket, Kennex Abadia of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) pummeled ARMM, 8-0, while the duo of Bernardine Siso of USC and Jayvee Canoy of USJ-R also hurdled their assignment via an 8-3 decision. – (FREEMAN)