Phl lifters compete in Phuket

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine weightlifting is hoping and praying it will have its “Fantastic Four” in the Paris Olympics this July.

The country is pinning its hopes that four of the seven-strong national team headed by Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz would earn berths to the quadrennial Games as they compete in the International Weightlifting Federation World Cup unfurling today in Phuket, Thailand.

Elreen Ando is battling Diaz for the Paris ticket in the women’s 59kg class. Also eyeing a place in the Paris sun are Vanessa Sarno in women’s 71kg, John Febuar Ceniza in men’s 61kg and Rosegie Ramos in women’s 49kg.