Philippines’ Jessa Khan grapples with Cambodian fighter Jessa Khan in the jiu-jitsu Ne-waza 52kg final. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
PHNOM PENH—Kaila Napolis waited far too long to grapple with Jessa Khan at the mat since that agonizing night back in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
When the Napolis earned the chance, letting victory slip again from her grasp wasn’t part of the plan.
`”Getting back at her took a long time and I was really motivated to win,’’ said the 25-year-old Napolis after clinching the first gold medal for Team Philippines in jiu-jitsu here at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
The 25-year-old from Muntinlupa City swept Khan from underneath and transitioned to a dominant position that earned her two points near the end of their match for the women’s Ne-waza 52kg title.
“I can still remember that loss at home (in 2019). To win against her (Khan) here in Cambodia is overwhelming,’’ said Napolis, teary-eyed for redeeming herself from that heart-breaker four years ago in the women’s 49kg golden match.
Khan is the 2018 Asian Games champion in the 49kg and recently claimed a bronze medal in the European Championship held in Paris, France.
The 21-year-old Cambodian-Mexican is a jiujitsu star in the global circuit, having won the light-featherweight title at the prestigious IBJJF Santa Cruz International Open two weeks ago.
“I promised myself that I will not let the opportunity pass once I get the chance,’’ said Napolis, whose sweet revenge gifted the country a first gold two days prior to the opening ceremony of the 11-nation meet.
Khan tried to avoid the sweep and went for the legs of Napolis with a knee bar, but the attack was too shallow, allowing the Filipino to get up and earn the two points.
Kaila Napolis wins the Philippines’ first gold medal in the SEA Games 2023. –JUNE NAVARRO/INQUIRER
Back in their 2019 face-off, Khan won by an advantage point in front of a supportive Napolis crowd.
Karl and Harvey Navarro added to the country’s medal collection in the sport with a bronze in the men’s duo while the pair of Dianne Ruado Bargo and Isabela Dominique Montana likewise wound up third in the women’s show (forms).
The Navarros lost to Thailand’s Nawin Kokaew and Panuawat Deeyatam, 68-63.5; Cambodia’s Kongmona Mithora and Touch Pikada, 66-59; and Vietnam’s Dinh Khai Ma and Ke Duong Trinh, 64-59.
Bargo and Montana scored 40.000 in their event behind gold medalist Kunsatri Kumsroi and Suphawadee Kaeosrasaen of Thailand (48.000) and second-placer Heng Seavheang and Tin Sovanlina of Cambodia (42.500).
“She’s (Khan) famous here and she’s one of the best in the world. It feels good to reverse my position (against her),’’ said Napolis.
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