Awesome Ngui eyes seven in swimming

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan, Philippines  – Tanker Axel Toni Ngui relishes his five-gold-medal haul in the Palarong Pambansa but rues lack of top-notch competition.

“It’s probably an accomplishment but it would have been sweeter if some of the top tankers who skipped this event participated,” said Ngui, who added the 400m medley relay gold to his victories in the 100m and 400m freestyle and 100m backstroke.

The 18-year-old Ngui’s five gold-medal effort along with victories by veteran Delia Cordero and youthful Catherine Bondad anchored the Big City’s domination in the first two days of the four-day pool meet here.

He will also see action in the 200m free and 4x100m free today. A sweep of seven golds will indeed make him a frontrunner for the coveted Most Outstanding Athlete award.

“Before, I had some doubts because the pool is different from what I used to train at,” said Ngui. “But as I started to win, that’s when I also started to get a little comfortable so I’m going all out for seven now.”