Albania, Saludar assured of bronze

GUANGZHOU – Two more Filipino pugs fought their way to the semifinal round, assuring Team Philippines of at least three bronze medals in the 16th Asian Games boxing competitions at the Foshan Gymnasium here yesterday.

Annie Albania made a big charge in the closing round and whipped Korea’s Kim Hye Song, 7-2, while Victorio Saludar put the pressure on India’s Singh Amandeep early and pulled off a 6-1 win.

At press time, Team Philippines was assured of at least three bronzes with one courtesy of Rey Saludar. Another Filipino fighter Wilfredo Lopez was in contention for the semis.

Victorio, at 20 the younger of the fighting Saludar brothers, easily disposed of Amandeep to advance to the semifinals of the men’s 46-49kg versus Kazakh Birzhan Zhakypov.

Reigning Olympic gold medal Zou Shiming of China and Thai Amnat Ruenroeng arranged an anticipated semis clash in the upper bracket.

Albania took some time to figure out how to handle the taller Kim, needing an onslaught in the final round to prevail and book a seat in the 48-51kg semifinals.

“I couldn’t get the right distance at first. She’s tall and long that I had to make a big adjustment in my stand,” Albania told The STAR.

Down 0-2 in the third round, Albania launched a furious attack, scoring on overhand rights that keyed her come-from-behind victory.

The 28-year-old Filipina warrior got the North Korean’s number by the final round, enabling her to pile up points for a stirring victory that set her up for a semifinal confrontation with Japanese Aya Shinmoto.

“I’ve yet to fight her but I’m well familiar with her game. I think I can handle her easily than Kim,” said Albania.

“I’ve got a sure bronze but I won’t stop here. I want the gold medal,” Albania added.

Shinmoto pounded out a 9-3 win over Thi Tuyet Nguyen to make the semis.

China’s Cancan Ren, the reigning world champion in the division, and India’s Chungneijang Hmangte, four-time world titlist in the 48-under kg, completed the Final Four cast.

Ren overpowered Nepal’s Sanju Lama, 10-0, while Hmangte clobbered Chinese Taipei’s Ping Meng Chieh.

Against Kim, Albania didn’t score a point until she sneaked in with a hook towards the end of the third.

She drew even at 2 at the end of the round and sustained her charge through the final round.

“I gave away a lot in height and reach so I had no other choice but to fight her in close range,” said Albania.

“She seemed to get tired and I simply kept on going,” Albania added.