SEA Games: Meggie Ochoa leads PH’s 3-gold medal haul in jiujitsu

Margarita Ochoa of the Philippines winsthe  gold medal in women’s -45KG jiujitsu of the 30th Southeast Asian Games. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

NEW CLARK CITY —Meggie Ochoa led the Philippines’ strike force in jiujitsu Monday after the Philippines hacked out three gold medals in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Ochoa, a three-time world champion and Asian Games bronze winner, highlighted the country’s strong showing in the high-intensity Brazilian martial art.

Dean Michael Roxas and Carlo Pena also scored triumphs in their respective weight classes.

Ochoa, 29, reigned in the women’s -45-kilogram in the meet held at Laus Events Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Displaying the sharp form that won her the Worlds last year in Sweden, Ochoa scored an overwhelming 13-0 victory over Le Tung Tranh Dau of Vietnam in the final.

Joining her in the medal column was World championship silver winner Pena who dominated the men’s -56kg.

Pena overpowered Rengga Richard of Indonesia, 17-2, in the gold medal match.

Roxas defeated Singapore’s Benjamin Jie Jun Chia by submission to snare the top plum in men’s 85kg.