Lorenzo, Leviste sweep equestrian

JAKARTA – Diego Lorenzo showcased a perfect ride and Toni Leviste had an impeccable show of her own for a stirring 1-2 finish for the Philippines in the SEA Games individual jumping event at the Arthayasa Stable Club in Depok, West Java yesterday.

Lorenzo, the Phl equestrian team’s youngest bet at 21, performed well with his mount Grace 292 and so did Leviste atop Magic, showing up eight others who qualified for the individual event.

“We are so happy. This is amazing,” said Joker Arroyo, daughter and namesake of her father-senator, the only one available from the team with Lorenzo and Leviste awaiting the podium ceremonies.

Lorenzo was flawless in the entire exercise, nosing out Leviste for the gold. Indonesian Andy Hapsoro, with Zandor, took the bronze.

“Both had amazing rides. It was a heck of a performance,” said Arroyo of her teammates’ showing.

Together with their silver in the team competition, the Phl riders topped their one-gold, one-silver feat in Manila in 2005.

The team then won the gold while Leviste copped the silver in the individual event.

Lorenzo reprised Mikee Cojuangco’s heroic in the 2002 Busan Asiad, winning in the closing hours of the games.

Cojuangco, though the reigning national champion back home, opted to serve as team manager here.