Pinoy tankers bag 30 golds in Taiwan meet

MANILA, Philippines - The Aquatic Sports Association of the Philippines churned out a record 30 gold medals in a dramatic performance against the opposition and finished second overall at the close of the eighth Annual Taipei American School swimming meet yesterday in Taipei, Taiwan.

Cordero sisters Denjylie, Delia and Denisse, Inaki Lorbes, Florabelle Ibale and Daren Kong emerged the most outstanding swimmers in their age groups as they towed the 51-strong contingent which finished second to Taiwan at the close of the two-day competition participated in by Singapore, Japan, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and host Taiwan.

Denjylie accounted for five gold medals and one silver to claim top honors in the 15-17 category, sister Delia had 4-2 gold-silver medals in the 13-14 age bracket while Denisse had 4-2 also in the 15-17 category.

Denjylie and Denisse added two more team golds apiece as they towed the ASAP team to victory in the 4x50m freestyle and 4x50m medley relays.

Lorbes had one gold and five silvers in the 8-under group, while Ibale had 3-2 in the distaff side. Kong clinched 2-1-1 gold-silver-bronze medals to top the 9-10 age bracket.

Lester Ray Tungala from Cebu accounted for three gold medals.

 “The swimmers are simply amazing. They beat the fancied bets from Okinawa, even Hong Kong which has sent 91 entries, and the host,” said delegation head and ASAP president Ma. Luz Arzaga-Mendoza. “I’m proud of these kids who have given honor to their country.”

“These young boys and girls showed they can win against foreign rivals. They’ve gained confidence in this meet; they’re just too eager to compete internationally,” said head coach and ASAP secretary general Susan Papa, who is sending another batch of swimmers to compete in Bangkok two weeks from now.

The members of the new swimming organization, fully supported by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping and Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro, are coached here by Susan Benasa, Manny Thruelen, Dennis Cordero, Vincent Indig, Condrado Ceballos and Jesus Suerte.

The team returns today to Manila on a PAL flight from Taipei.