Jennifer turns back the clock for archery gold

MANILA, Philippines - Jennifer Chan outsteadied all her opponents in a game of poise and concentration as she came out of retirement to win the gold medal in a wringer of a showdown yesterday at the archery field of the National Sports Complex.

Chan, the 43-year-old veteran who decided to compete again after abandoning her coaching chores, upended Myanmar’s Aung Ngeain, 115-112, in the compound individual final to raise the Philippines’ gold medal haul to 21 as of 8 p.m.

 On her way to the finals, Chan, who, finished second overall in the qualification round, defeated Vieng Keo of Laos, 117-110, in the round of 32, Norhayati of Malaysia, 113-112, in the round of 16 and Narisuara Tinbua of Thailand, 114-112, in the quarterfinals, and Hla Hla San of Myanmar, 113-110, to advamce to advance to the final and prevent an all-Myanmar final.

Earl Benjamin Yap got off to a strong start in the men’s side of the 70m compound event. He drew a bye into the round of 16 where he beat Chuo Omrin of Cambodia, 114-106. He moved past Chakrit Thong Wattanna of Thailand, 117-115, in the quarterfinals but lost to Indonesian Igustinyoman Puruhit, 113-115, in the semifinals.

 The Indonesian eventually won the gold over Chua Boon Rong Adriel of Singapore, 115-111.

In the battle for the bronze, he again lost to Thai Thanonglith Siriponhj, 112-107.

The Philippines had no entries in the recurve event for men and women.