Delos Santos boosts chase of top world ranking

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino World No. 2 karateka James delos Santos will have a chance to add two more gold medals to his growing collection as he hurdled two different semifinal foes in separate online competitions.

The 30-year-old Delos Santos outclassed Chrisley Philippart of Belgium, 24.5-23.1, in the Mitad del Mundo Hatamotokai E-Tournament to advance to the finals where he will clash with Murilo Alves of Brazil, winner by technicality over Domont Matias Moreno.

Just a few hours later, the former two-time SEA Games bronze medalist defeated Hugh Connolly of Ireland, 24.3-23.8, to likewise get a crack at the gold medal in the Sportsdata e-Tournament World Series sponsored by Arawaza.

Delos Santos said the Arawaza tilt would have a more significant effect in his bid to catch up on World No. 1 Eduardo Garcia of Portugal since it stakes points four times than the regular ones.

“This one is the most prestigious eTournament,” said Delos Santos, coming off a pair of bronze medal efforts in the Golden League E-Tournament and the fourth Adidas Karate World Open last week.