PH’s Arbilon grabs pentathlon bronze

Princess Honey Arbilon–CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Princess Honey Arbilon toppled Maryia Gnedtchik of Belarus for the bronze medal, 4-1, in the championship round of the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne World Laser AllStars Thursday.

“I always tell myself to focus on making quick, accurate decisions and it served me well,’’ said Arbilon, a Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in the mixed beach laser relay.

The 18-year-old Ormoc City pride dropped her match against Darcy Dryden of Great Brittain, 2-4, in the semifinals of the under-22 online tournament, setting up the duel against Gnedtchik.

Silvia Ventura of Mexico, who subdued Gnedtchik in the semis, went on to capture the title, 4-2, at Dryden’s expense in the race-to-four finale that consisted of five targets per match.

“We’re slowly honing her to develop the way she makes quick and precise decisions,’’ said Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association president Richard Gomez. “She has to understand the small details that makes a champion, that winning is not all about strength. It also needs mental sharpness and quick decision-making.’’

Arbilon advanced to the medal rounds after downing Nouran Beheiry of Egypt in the quarterfinals of the world shoot fest that brought in the finest pentathletes from 33 countries across five continents.

“Princess is very talented. She’s a fast runner, a sharp shooter, swims really well and is beginning to show good moves in fencing,’’ said Gomez.

Arbilon belongs to the pool of pentathletes that Gomez, a popular actor and sportsman, has been nurturing through the years in Ormoc City.

The team won two gold medals, one silver and a pair of bronzes in the 2019 SEA Games held in Subic.