SEA Games: PH bets rank in top 3 in men’s ice skating short program

Christopher Caluza leads the Senior Men’s Short Program of the 2019 South East Asian Games.

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines’ Christopher Caluza and Edria Paul Celestino made a strong case for the podium after a strong showing in the ice skating men’s short program in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games at SM Megamall.

Caluza came in second place after tallying 62.37 points while Celestino was at third with 61.52.

Malaysia’s Julian Zhie Jie Yee, the gold medalist in the 2017 SEA Games, topped the short program with 63.35 points.

Both Caluza and Celestino, who are competing in the first SEA Games, said tallying such high marks in their debut was a big boost for them going into Sunday’s free skate event where the medal winners will be determined.

“Of course it’s a good boost, like the fact that we finished really well for the short program and you know we could get good marks,” said Caluza.

“I definitely think it’s a big boost but nothing changes, we just have to do our job whatever happens,” said Celestino.

Micah Kai Lynette of Thailand finished with a mark of 60.77 for the fourth spot while Singapore’s Pagiel Sng settled for fifth with 52.06.

Muhammad Dwi Rizqy Apolianto of Indonesia was at sixth with 38.78 points and his compatriot Calvin Pratama rounded out the competitors with 31.04 points.