Sumang shatters own PH record

ELEAZAR Sumang smashed his own national record in shot put and Filipino-Italian tennis ace Marc Reyes and teenaged shuttler Malvinne Ann Venice Alcala seized gold medals in style yesterday in the POC-PSC Philippine National Games in various Metro Manila venues.

The 25-year-old Sumang heaved the iron ball to a distance of 16.58 meters at Philsports track and field stadium to break the 16.56m mark he posted during the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

Over at Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, the 23-year-old Reyes capped a breakthrough performance with a golden double, winning the men’s singles as well as the doubles with partner Patrick John Tierro.

“I played good tennis and gave it my best,” said Reyes. “These (men’s field) are the best players in the country and they pushed me to the limit. I’m so happy I responded well and rose to the occasion.”

The 2009 PCA Open finalist downed the top three seeds, including second pick Elbert Anasta, 7-5, 6-1, in yesterday’s gold-medal match played in the rain.

On the way to the gold, Reyes disposed of third seed Tierro, 6-4, 6-3, in the the semifinals and top pick Johnny Arcilla, 6-3, 6-2, in the quarterfinals.

Reyes and Tierro nipped Alberto Lim Jr., and Ruel Licayan, 6-2, 6-3, for the doubles gold medal.

Tierro, a former Davis Cupper, later partnered with Maika Tanpoco to claim the mixed doubles gold over Anasta and women’s singles champion Marian Jade Capadocia.

Capadocia also pulled off a double victory after teaming up with Tanpoco for the women’s doubles gold over Clarice Patrimonio and Edlyn Balanga, 6-1, 4-6, (10-3), in the finals.

Alcala, 17, leaned on her superior experience to best 14-year-old Sarah Joy Barredo, 21-17, 21-10, in the women’s singles final at RMSC Badminton Hall.

Paul Vibas and Peter Gabriel Magnaye downed Joper Escueta and Ronel Estanislao, 21-18, 10-21, 21-17, for the men’s doubles crown.

Philippine Badminton Association secretary general Rep. Albee Benitez lauded the results of the competitions, saying they reflect the federation’s massive grassroots development program.

In swimming, Jessie Khing Lacuna pulled off two more easy wins, topping 200-meter freestyle and the 400m individual medley.

In boxing at Rizal Coliseum, Gen. Santos City sent seven fighters into the gold-medal rounds. The finals will be held today with national pugs Rey Saludar, Josie Gabuco and Alice Aparri seeking the gold in their respective weight divisions.