Cordero sisters shine in Taipei

MANILA, Philippines - Amazing swimming sisters Denjylie, Angela and Denisse Cordero accounted for six of nine gold medals as they towed the fighting members of the Aquatic Sports Association of the Philippines to a flying start in the eighth Annual Taipei American School Swim Meet in Taiwan yesterday.

Dnjylie won in the 100m butterfly (1:08.3) 200m breaststroke (2:38) and 100m breaststroke (1:15), Delia took the gold in the 400m freestyle (4:53) and Denisse in the 100m IM (1:11.0) and 200m backstroke (2:35).

Eight-year-old Inaki Lorbes, a protégé of the Susan Papa Swimming School, also twinkled in the TAS pools, winning one gold, three silvers and one bronze in a tantalizing performance against rivals from Singapore, Japan, Biejing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and other neighboring Asian countries.

Lester Ray Tungala from Cebu also won two gold medals.

ASAP president Ma. Luz Arzaga-Mendoza and secretary general Susan Papa expressed elation over the performance of the Cordero sisters, who along with their father-coach, received free accommodation and airfare from ASAP as bonus for their performance..

“I’m very happy with the performance of the swimmers; It’s a big step for these little swimmers,” said Mendoza.

The newly organized ASAP is fielding more than 50 swimmers coached by Susan Benasa, Manny Thruelen, Cordero, Vincent Indig, Condrado Ceballos and Jesus Suerte.

The team is supported by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping and Muntinlupa City Mayor Aldrin San Pedro.

Other medal winners were Florabelle, Felliese and Frnzello Ibale, Miguel Thruelen, Andrea Pacheco, Alexandra Nacpil, Andre Abacahin, Alex Echavez and Alfred Maglabe, Nicole and Darren Kong.

Competitions resume today.