Kiamco-Chua settles for bronze; Amit moves on to semifinals

ASHGABAT—Billiard aces Warren Kiamco and Johann Chua propelled the Philippine medal production back in motion together with fellow cue master Rubilen Amit in the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (Aimag) here.

Kiamco and Chua were denied entry into the gold-medal match following a 9-6 defeat at the hands of LV Haotian and Liu Haitao of China in the men’s 9-ball pool doubles to settle for the bronze medal.

Pouncing on her error-prone rival, Amit moved toward the semifinals in women’s 10-ball after trouncing Parisa Mangli of Iran, 7-1, assuring the two-time world champion a bronze medal.
“It’s not going to be easy,” said Amit, who booked a semifinal face-off with Wei Tzu-Chien of China.

Trailing by a point on the 10th frame, Kiamco smoothly sank No. 1 on the left corner pocket but eventually scratched the cue ball on the side that opened a door of opportunity for LV and Liu to sweep the table for a 6-4 edge.

Kickboxer Robin Catalan yielded to Hamza Abughazleh of Jordan, 2-1, in the men’s low kick -51 kg quarterfinals.
Wrestler Grace Loberanes also bungled her chance for a medal after losing to Sheetal Tomar of India, 2-0, in the repechage of women’s freestyle -48 kg.

At the Chess Arena, Grandmasters Julio Catalino Sadorra and Eugene Torre placed 18th and 19th among 44 entries in the men’s standard individual while Woman Fide Master Shania Mae Mendoza wound up 17th in the women’s side.