Philippines’ Jose Noelito Garcia (R) competes against Singapore’s Si To Jian Tong (L) in the mens epee final during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Phnom Penh on May 11, 2023. (Photo by TANG CHHIN SOTHY / AFP)
PHNOM PENH—Noelito Jose put up a brave front before victory slipped from his grasp to settle for a silver medal in fencing at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
Singapore’s Jian Tong Si To used his quickness to the hilt and defeated Jose, 15-11, in the finals of the men’s epee individual contest at the Chroy Changvar Convention Hall here.
Jose, who arranged the title clash with To by toppling Singapore’s Simon Renjie Lee in the semifinals, duplicated his medal output during the Hanoi SEA Games last year.
Jylyn Nicanor joined Jose on the podium after obtaining the bronze medal in women’s individual sabre.
Nicanor lost her semifinal clash with Singapore’s Jie Min Heng, 9-15.