Davao bets zero in on B Pinoy overall crown

MANILA, Philippines - Davao City leaned on its judokas, taekwondo jins and swimmers to hold off a charging General Santos City in their spirited battle for the overall championship in the Mindanao qualifying leg of the 2013 Batang Pinoy Games in Tagum City yesterday.

Samantha Cambronero, who racked up for gold medals Thursday, made it a six-gold haul after ruling the girls’ 13-15 200m individual medley and 100m breaststroke at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Center swimming pool.

Fritz Jun Rodriguez also sparkled in the pool with five gold medals as he topped the boys’ 12-under 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke at the close of swimming competitions.

Overall, Davao City captured 29 gold medals in the sport with Sheanetelle Fox, Katrina Nicole Aguelo, Juan Antonio Mendoza, Chyll Bea Amparo, Zoe Marie Hilario and Pia Alissandra Ballos also ruling their respective events.

Davao City also asserted its mastery in judo and taekwondo with a combined output of 13 gold medals that hiked the city’s medal collection to 49 gold medals, 40 silvers and 26 bronzes.

Judokas James Ryan (-73kg), Andre Tequin (-55kg) and Chino Tancontian (-50kg) ruled their respective weight classes in the boys’ division while Sydney Tancontian (-70kg), Charrisse Aseneta (-52kg), Steffany Calamba (-44kg) and Jhanen Marcos (-40kg) won in the girls side.

Taekwondo jins Jasa Jane Tevar (middleweight), Patricio Jhoy Villejo (heavy), flyweight Patricia Anne Go, welter Enrico Fronteras, heavy weight Jay Lourd Malisa Jr. and bantam Jomar Carolino also delivered for Davao City.

Davao City pride Ella Grace Moulic won another gold in girls’ rapid chess after copping the blitz title two days ago while gymnasts from Sta. Ana National High School of Davao City defeated Maguinda High School of Butuan City for the cheerleading crown.

Also getting the job done for Davao City was lifter Christian Albert Alegada (34kg) in boys’ weightlifting.

After picking 13 gold medals in athletics, nine in pencak silat and a pair of victories in chess, General Santos City slowed down in medal-rich swimming (seven golds) and taekwondo (two) for a 33-23-19, gold-silver-bronze haul.