Laurente gives PH first gold

BOXER Criztian Pitt Laurente captured the first gold medal for the Philippines in the Children of Asia International Games in Yakutsk, Russia.

Laurente, who grew up in General Santos City and a diehard Manny Pacquiao fan, pulled off a unanimous 30-29, 29-28, 29-28, decision at the expense of Taltibek Sulchar of Kazakhstan in yesterday’s 54kg gold-medal match.

The 16-year-old Filipino rained solid blows on the face of the Asian Junior medalist at the onset and controlled the fight until the end.

Trackster Veruel Verdadero joined Laurente later on the podium after pocketing a bronze medal in the boys’ 200.

The 15-year-old from General Santos City crossed the line in 23.17 seconds, tailing gold medalist Shalika Santhush of Sri Lanka (22.97) and runner-up Al Marwani Ahmed of Saudi Arabia (23.14).