ATOS sizzles in Asia Pacific Jiu Jitsu Championship

CEBU, Philippines — The grapplers from Team ATOS showcased their wares well as they dominated the Asia Pacific International Jiu Jitsu Championship over the weekend at the Mountainwing of SM Seaside City.

Spearheaded by blackbelter Ali Sulit, ATOS topped the No Gi event, while bagging the second place in the GI competition.

Through the combined efforts from its fighters from Cebu, Manila, Bohol, Cagayan De Oro and Hong Kong, ATOS harvested nine gold plus 11 silver and five bronze medals in the No Gi action.

Over Limit Jiu Jitsu wound up second with its eight gold, one silver and six bronze medals, while Deftac Ribeiro settled for third with their 5-7-6 gold-silver-bronze medals.

In the Gi (kimono) competition, ATOS placed second behind Deftac with 17 golds, 19 silvers and 13 bronzes while the latter has 22-20-19 gold-silver-bronze medal tally. Overlimit Jiu Jitsu snared the third place with its 15 gold, 18 silver and 10 bronze medals.

Aside from the local grapplers, elite fighters coming from Asia, United States and Russia also saw action in the two-day tilt.

Despite the stiff competition, Cebuanos shone as they clinched the gold medal in their respective divisions.

Some of the gold medalists were Mechelle Zapanta with three golds, Sandino Cinco with double golds, Mary Glo Villacastin, Michael Jay Caballero, Josh Ybanez, ,Leo Gaerlan, Lemuel Maglinte, Engie Piloto  Jamie Boy Fabula and Miko Partoza from ATOS Cebu, Roel Rosauro , Eid Mubarak Daham ,  Odie Damaolao, April Hollie Damaolao, Christian Gaviola ,  Teodoro Cue Jr., Althea Mondigo, Ethan Jhay Mondigo and Priscilla Joy Balingcongan of Over Limit and Jenny Fernandez of Pato Studio. (FREEMAN)