SEA Games: Gina Iniong, Gretel de Paz make kickboxing final

Filipino kickboxers Gina Iniong and Gretel de Paz. Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas/TEAM LAKAY PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino bets Gina Iniong and Gretel de Paz advance to the gold medal round in their respective events in kickboxing at the 31st Southeast Asian Games.

Iniong secured at least a silver medal after turning back Jihin Radzuan of Malaysia, 3-0, in women’s low kick -60kg semifinal Wednesday night in Bac Ninh, Vietnam.

It wasn’t the first time Iniong had beaten Radzuan after the two fought at ONE Championship back in 2019 that saw the Baguio City native earning a split decision win.

De Paz, meanwhile, topped Namrak Surachada of Thailand in women’s full contact -56kg semifinal.

But it wasn’t a total celebration for the country’s kickboxing bets as Honorio Banario and Emmanuel Cantores lost in their semis matchups.

Banario, the former ONE featherweight champion, took a stunning 0-3 loss to Lvay Chhoeung of Cambodia in the men’s low kick -71kg semifinal.

Cantores was also blanked by Quang Nguyen of host Vietnam in the men’s low kick -60kg semis.

The Philippine kickboxing team has already assured the country of e2on Tuesday.