Balabal eyes wrestling hat-trick

YANGON, Myanmar—Robust and strapping at 6-foot-2, Jason Balabal is targeting more than a hat-trick in his third Southeast Asian Games.

The designated flag-bearer from Benguet, gold medalist for the past two consecutive editions of the 11-nation meet, is vying for the men’s Greco Roman and freestyle events in wrestling where Pinoy grapplers aim to bring home two to three gold medals.

Opening the country’s bid in today’s Greco Roman at the National Indoor Stadium in this bustling former capital are Margarito Angana Jr. (55 kg), a double-gold winner like Balabal, and Noel Norada (60 kg), a fresh acquisition from Quezon City.

Balabal (84 kg), who will wear nothing but a piece of loincloth in the ceremonial parade of athletes three days from now, gets onto the mat tomorrow before immediately jumping on a flight to the Games main hub in Nay Pyi Taw for the Dec. 11 opening rites.

“It’s already been settled. Jason will travel to Nay Pyi Taw after his match and return at once the following morning,” said national coach Roy Camposano.

Victorious in 2009 (freestyle) and 2011 (Greco), Balabal, 27, is also vying in the freestyle on Dec. 13 as well as Alvin Lobrequito (55 kg), Jhonny Morte (60 kg) and Joseph Angana (66 kg).

“Two to three medals, or even more if we get lucky,” said Camposano.

Filipino wrestlers seized two golds in 2011 courtesy of Angana and Balabal that went along with three silvers and bronzes.