Guerrero reaches finals in X Games

KUALA LUMPUR – Kristian Guerrero perked up an otherwise dreary campaign by the Philippine contingent here as he barged into the finals of the sport climbing competition, finishing joint 12th in the semifinal round of the Asian X Games Qualifier at the Persiaran KLCC grounds Friday night.

It was the most impressive performance dished out so far by a Filipino here as the rest of the group had either been overwhelmed by the opposition or were simply outclassed by the talented field.

But Guerrero put one amazing climb, or make that two, in the two-route bouldering event, scoring an average of 87.76 percent to advance to the 15-man championship round being held late last night.

Guerrero, the reigning speed climbing champion back home who just turned 19 last Jan. 27, made one attempt in both routes, scoring 90.91 percent in the first before slowing down with 84.62 percent in the other.

Still, it was an achievement of sorts for the SCAPI-sponsored member of Power Up, who embraced the sport just three years ago which he finds "very challenging."

The other Filipino bet, Buddy Advincula, didn’t fare well and wound up second to last in a field of 28.

Setbacks likewise marred the Pinoys campaign in the bicycle stunt (park) with Mark Schultz falling short of his bid to make it to the top 10.

Schultz, the 22-year-old playing team captain of the RP squad, finished 12th in his pet event, scoring 70.88 in two 60-second runs in the elims, or just four points behind the 10th placer.

Laurence Davila and Jorge Baquir likewise failed to advance, winding up 20th and 21st placers, respectively among 28 aspirants.

Japan, which dominated bicycle stunt (flat) Thursday, likewise swept the top honors in aggressive in-line skating (vert) with brothers Eito and Takeshi Yasutoko finishing 1-2 with 92.75 and 92.25 points, respectively. Rui Kitamura placed third with 77.75 points.

Australia, on the other hand, ruled the skateboarding (vert) event with Dave Bodnar displaying superb, nail-biting stunts to win the event with 91.3 points.