RP tracksters romp off with 6 golds in Vietnam

HO CHI MINH — Shut out for the gold on opening day, the Philippines won six gold medals anchored around the remarkable performance of Lerma Bulauitan who won the century dash with customary flair Tuesday in the ninth Vietnam international track and field championship.

Denied the gold by the local bet in long jump, Bulauitan returned to the Thong Nhiat stadium in this pallid city of Ho Chi Minh and easily won the 100 meters in 11.61 seconds crowning herself the tournament "sprint queen."

"I could have bettered my best time 11.6 if the opposition was tough," said the 27-year-old sprinter from Cagayan, who led her rivals right from the starting gun.

Local bets Hoang Lan Anh took the silver in 11.75, while Vo Thi Ngoo Hanh got the bronze in 11.83.

Bulauitan’s golden performance in the century dash set the tone for the Philippines’ fiery assault at the six-lane vintage track as Ernie Candelario, Joebert Delicano, Geralyn Amandoron, Dandy Gallenero and John Lozada came up with similar performances in their respective events.

Candelario ruled the 400m in 46.83 seconds, Delicano bagged long jump 7.34 meters, Amandoron javelin throw 46.34 meters, Gallenero men’s javelin 63.27 meters, and Lozada completed the Philippines’ six gold harvest in the 800m in 1:50.87.

Lying fourth behind three Vietnamese runners paced by national record holder Nguyen Dang Truong, Candelario, who was running on lane 2, overtook his three Vietnamese rivals in the last 180 meters, then sustained his fiery run to the finish line.

"My strategy is to stay close to my rivals then make my move in the closing stretch," said the 24-year-old Candelario, who is the country’s best bet for the gold in this event in Malaysia SEA Games.

Even the Russian coach Valery Kalazhnov, who trained Nguyen Dang Truong for two years, was impresses to the performance of Candelario in the 400m.

"He’s good. His running skill is very impressive. He’s fast and strong. I really admired your boy," said Russian coach from Moscow.

Amandoron was not satisfied of her showing. She attributed her not so good performance to the low standard javelin provided by the organizers.

Go Teng Kok, the hardworking athletes president, was impressed in the showings of his athletes, he commended them for their remarkable feats.

"I sent them in Vietnam precisely to know how really prepared for the SEA Games in Malaysia. Vietnam is strong contender in athletics. I want my athletes to test their strength. They are strong in men and women long jump and 1,500m. I am confident my boys will beat them because we outwitted them in their own turf," said Go emphatically.

Gallenero proved unchallenged in javelin. His first throw was 63.27 meters and was never surpassed by his rivals. The broad shoulder 23-year-old native of Capiz, tried to better his first throw, but couldn’t do any better.