SEA Games: Philippines’ Tsukii, Montalvo barge into karatedo finals

DECEMBER 7, 2019: Philippines’ Junna Tsukii (red) celebrates after knocking out Thailand’s Paweena Raksachart (blue) during the women’s Karatedo-50 kg semi final round of the 30th South East Asian Games 2019. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon

MANILA, Philippines–Philippine bets Junna Tsukii and Norman Montalvo are both assured of at least a silver medal after dispatching their respective foes in the Southeast Asian Games’ karate kumite event Saturday at World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Tsukii, a bronze medalist in the 2018 Asian Games, advanced after besting Paweena Raksachart of Thailand, 3-1, in the 50kg semifinal.

Montalvo, meanwhile, had to regain his bearings to overcome Steves Tep of Cambodia, 9-5, in the penultimate round of the 55kg action.

Tsukii, a heavy favorite to win the gold after her surprise performance in the last Asiad, is set to face Thi Huong Dinh of Vietnam for the grand prize.

DECEMBER 7, 2019: Philippines’ Norman Montalvo celebrates after a knocking out Cambodia’s Tep Steves Yuthana during the men’s Karatedo -55 kg semi final round of the 30th South East Asian Games 2019. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon

Montalvo, on the other hand, goes up against Prem Selvam of Malaysia.

The Filipina-Japanese karateka takes the tatami at 3:15 p.m., followed by her compatriot who is scheduled for 3:25 p.m.

Meanwhile, John Vasquez and Sarah Pangilinan try to salvage a bronze medal in their respective individual kata events.