Nobles, Lagman shine in YOG qualifier

CEBU, Philippines - Tarlac’s Jose Nobles finally found his way up after posting a come-from-behind victory in the third Philippine Team qualifier for the 2014 China Youth Olympic Games (YOG) at Alegre Beach Resort and Spa yesterday morning.

The 15-year-old Nobles missed the Batang Pinoy National Finals in Iloilo City that was considered as the first qualifying race. He just placed fourth during the second qualifier held in Subic.

Nobles also missed the camp at Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, but trained with the rest of his teammates in Tarlac that paved his way to a good showing yesterday.

Sixto Lalanto came off the water first, while Nobles was second to the last in the 500-meter open water swim course.

Nobles slowly caught up with the rest in the bike portion of the race and then sped up in the running part until he eventually outpaced Chiongbian. Nobles touched down the finish line with the best time of 56 minutes and 12 seconds.

Chiongbian finished second with a 57:14 clocking, while Sixto Lalanto wound up third in 57:48.

In the distaff side, Cagayan de Oro’s Kate Vince Lagman defeated the injured Vicky Deldio for the top spot. Lagman finished the race in 1:11:38, while Deldio was a far second in 1:29:53.

On the other hand, Justin's siblings Yuan and Savvy won their respective categories. Savvy was declared the victor in the girls 7-8 class, while Yuan had a convincing victory in the boys 13-15 division.

The other age group winners were Jason Paul Mendez (boys 70), Eduard Russell So (boys 9-10), Syrah Ruth Uy (girls 9-10), Shaia Ruth Uy girls (13-15),  and Ella Joan Stevens(girls 11-12).

Today, around 150 triathletes will battle it out for the top honors in the Cebu leg of the National Age-Group Triathlon Series also at Alegre Resort.  (FREEMAN)