Martinez claims Olympics seat

MANILA, Philippines — Figure skater Michael Martinez is set for a second tour of duty at the Winter Olympics next month in Pyeong Chang, Korea.

Sochi veteran Martinez, who missed outright qualification to the Feb. 9-25 Games, received a spot after the re-allocation process, joining Fil-Am alpine skier Asa Miller, a qualifier, in the lean Philippine delegation.

“Michael is in,” Phl chef de mission Tom Carrasco told The STAR after receiving confirmation from the International Skating Union (ISU) last night.

Martinez, the first Southeast Asian figure skater to play in the Winter Olympics four years ago, fell short during the qualifying tourney but got another chance following the withdrawal of qualifiers due to injuries or other reasons.

“Michael was No. 1 in the waitlist,” said Carrasco.

Miller, 17, met the qualifying standard set by the International Ski Union for the giant slalom event. He was officially confirmed as a participant in Pyeongchang last Tuesday, according to Carrasco.