NATIONAL wrestlers led by 31st Vietnam Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Jiah Pingot dominated action yesterday in the 8th PSC Women’s Martial Arts Sports Festival at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
With slots to the 2023 6th Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games at stake, Pingot easily scored a 9-0 win over national teammate Lady May Carabuena in the final of the freestyle 53-kilogram division of the meet organized by the Philippine Sports Commission.
In contrast, Grace Loberanes was pushed to the limit before eking out a 10-9 decision over teammate Kimberly Jhoy Bondad in the traditional wrestling 57kg class of the sportsfest also backed by Pocari Sweat and Go21.
Cathlyn Vergara subdued Kristine Oberez 3-0 in the classic 52kg category, Jean Mae Lobo defeated Winnie Rabellas 4-0 in the 63kg class, and Levy Espuerta topped Bemyla Bernas 4-0 in the traditional wrestling 68kg category.
Other winners included Melissa Tumasis, daughter of national coach Melchor Tumasis in the classic junior 52kg division, Nicole Pinlac (58kg) and Rhea Cervantes (63kg).
“Masarap pong makabalik sa competition kasi matagal-tagal na po kaming hindi nakapaglaro,” said Pingot, 23, who bagged a silver medal in the 50-kg freestyle event in the Vietnam SEA Games.
“Medyo nahirapan din po ako kay Kimberly kasi binabalanse ko po ang training ko at schooling ko sa Philippine Navy,” explained Loberanes, a Vietnam SEA Games bronze medalist, who is eyeing promotion to Seawoman Third Class.
“All of the senior winners in this tournament are virtually qualified to compete in the 6th AIMAG,” said coach Tumasis.
