Olympic vet breaks RP archery mark

Former SEA Games gold medalist and Sydney Olympian Jennifer Chan set a Philippine record of 333 points (70 meters) in the compound competition but dropped a close 107-109 decision to Amaya Paz in the Olympic Round finals of archery’s second qualifying tournament recently at the PSC Teachers Camp in Baguio City.

Chan, who surpassed the 330 mark set by Janina Bianca Ortiz in Manila last April 2, topped the qualification round with 1348.

Carlos Carag scored a big surprise in the men’s compound division by beating Adam Jimenez III, 108-98, in the Olympic Round finals.

Gil Gabriel finished third after whipping veteran Raul Arambulo, 111-109.

Athens Olympian Jasmin Figueroa lived up to expectations in the recurve competition by bagging the gold medal. She beat Purita Joy Marino, 97-96, in the finals.

Rachelle Anne Cabral nipped Edwina delos Reyes, 80-76, to clinch third place.

Mark Javier took the men’s gold by beating Florante Matan, 110-105, in the Olympic Round finals.

Marvin Cordero checked in third after crushing Zander Lee Reyes, 109-96.

So far, only Paz and Chan have made the criteria set by the NAAP (National Archery Association of the Philippines) in the compound bow division.

The qualifying marks are 1340 (women) and 1350 (men) for the full FITA, 112 and 115 for 12 arrows match play, 165 and 170 for 18 arrows match play, 650 for 70 meters and 240 and 245 for team (3 x 9).