Veteran fencers shine in Asian tilt

Reynaldo Navarro wins the gold. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Philippines put up a strong stand in the recent Asian Veterans Fencing Championship in Thailand, with Reynaldo Navarro bagging a gold in the men’s 50 to 59 saber competition.

Former Philippine Olympic Committee president Celso Dayrit won a bronze in the men’s 60 t0 69 epee while three-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Maria Leonor Estampador topped the 50 to 59 women’s foil.

Other winners were Myra Cruz (bronze 60 to 69 women’s epee), and Lenita Otadoy (bronze, 35-49 women’s saber).

The ladies’ saber team also captured a dramatic gold medal after one member had to check out of the hospital to play in the event. The team was made up of past SEA games medalists Aurea Dioquino, Lenny Otadoy and Bevery Alarcon.