Pressure mounts on judokas

NAYPYITAW—Pressure has been steadily mounting for the judo team in the post-John Baylon era in the Southeast Asian Games.

“We have to deliver so that the delegation can meet its target,” said head coach Rolan Llamas on the eve of the judokas’ campaign Wednesday at Zayar Thiri Indoor Stadium here.

They will vie for golds in nine of 18 weight classes with Llamas hoping for six victories.

Nancy Quillotes-Lucero (women’s -45 kg) is back to defend her crown while Ruth Dugaduga (women’s +78 kg), who bagged the silver in 2011 in Palembang, is seeking a win this time.

Bryan Quillotes (men’s -60 kg), Lloyd Dennis Catipon (men’s -66 kg), Gilbert Ramirez (men’s -73 kg), Angelo Gabriel Gumila (men’s -90 kg), Helen Dawa (women’s -48 kg), Jenielou Mosqueda (women’s -57 kg) and Kiyomi Watanabe (women’s -63 kg) are the other gold medal hopefuls, having won during the SEA Games prequalifying tournament held October.

Baylon, a nine-time SEAG champion, retired in 2011 after losing his title to a Vietnamese.

“The pressure is on us,” said Llamas, a two-time gold medalist in the early ’80s. “But I’m not worried. We can overcome the odds.”