Velasco, a 5-4 native of Baguio, couldnt get his offensive rhythm going early against the rangy Laotian but the Pinoy champ eventually connected timely kicks and jabs to earn the judges nod in the 51-54 kg. semifinals.
With the win, he arranged a final showdown against equally-talented Thai Mongkhorn Punpiboon, who prevailed over Myanmars Saw Kyaw Aye by unanimous decision.
"He got two strong kicks to my body, and it still hurts till now," said Velasco after the match. I bore it, and gave him a series of kicks and punches in the last two rounds."
The other RP contender, Reynold Trasmonte, settled for the bronze after succumbing to Laos bet Lansanh Masopha, 1-4, in the featherweight division (54-57 kgs.).
Masopha advanced to the finals against Thailands Veerapol Nonting, who also turned back Tun Lin of Myanmar.
With Velascos feat, the Pinoy muay athletes will be gunning for six of the seven golds in Sundays finals.
The other day, Roland Claro and Zaidi Laruan barged into the finals of the flyweight and lightflyweight divisions, respectively, while three RP pairs are already assured of the finals in the artistic event called "Wai Kru". They are Rogelio Garganera and Davis Panisigan in the mens 57-60 kg. category, Claire Cadampong and Lianne Flameno in the womens 51-54 kgs.class and the duo of Teresita Victoria Agbayani and Cristina Custodio in the womens 54-57 kg. division.
The Sunday finals start at 3 p.m. Bong Castro