3 Pencak bets assured of bronzes
By Randy Caluag

CEBU CITY—Veteran internationalists Christopher Yabut and Marniel Dimla, and rookie campaigner Jul-Omar Abdulhakim assured the Philippines of at least three bronze medals after disposing off their respective rivals at the start of pencak silat’s Tanding competitions Wednesday at the Cebu City Coliseum here.

Using a bevy of kicking techniques, Yabut blanked Luffan Budi Santosa of Indonesia in the men’s 50-55kg match before a boisterous crowd that was amazed by high-intense action offered by this genuinely Muslim martial art sport.

Yabut, gold medalist in the Paris Open held early this year, next faces the winner between Thai Charata Wangkanon and Siti Jameel binti Japilus of Malaysia for a berth in the final.

Tanding is Silat’s combat event using a complex system based on art strikes, foot strikes, throws, grappling and ground work.

Abdulhakim likewise showed superior striking skills to beat Nanthachat Kansakom of Thailand, 5-0, in the men’s 45-50kg category.

Dimla, also a gold medal winner in the Paris Open, relied on a beautiful sweep that was worth three points, en rout to 5-0 shutout of Indon Fentjie R. Maengkom in the men’s 70-75 kgs. He will vie for a final berth against the winner of the other eliminations match between Le Cong Nghiep of Vietnam and Malaysia’s Abang Pauzan.

Not so fortunate were compatriots Rodelyn Arlante who both lost via TKO.

Arlante went down after she was swept off her feet by her opponent from Thailand. She could not get up, forcing RP team coach Suhartuno to throw in the towel in the first round.

Simacon’s dealt a big blow to the RP campaign as he was leading, 2-1, in the second round when he accidentally hit Nirun Markpech of Thailand in the face.

Markpech was knocked down and was declared fit to continue but he kept the win on account of technical foul.

“It was very unfortunate. The Thai could still fight, it was a stupid decision,” said RP team coach Suhartuno.

Meanwhile, judo competitions get going today with four gold medals to be disputed at the Mandaue City Sports Center.

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