John Ceniza narrowly misses podium in Asian Games weightlifting

John Ceniza during the weightlifting competition of the 19th Asian Games being held in Hangzhou, China. — PSC-POC Media Pool

HANGZHOU, China—John Febuar Ceniza came just a tad short of a pocketing medal in the men’s weightlifting on Sunday in the 19th Asian Games.

Ceniza lifted a total of 297 kilograms in the men’s 61kg category and wound up fourth at the Xiaoshan Sports Centre Gymnasium, narrowly finishing behind bronze medalist Chungguk Kim of North Korea.

China’s Fabin Li amassed a new Games record total of 310kgs after carrying 143, which reset the old Asian Games mark in the snatch, and 167 in the clean and jerk.

Myongjin Pak settled for the silver after combined lifts of 136 and 171 netted the North Korean 307 in the total.

A strong contender for a qualification in the Paris Olympics next year, Ceniza was a kilo short of Kim’s 298 after posting 297 in the total following a lift of 134 in the snatch prior to the Cebuano’s 163 in the clean and jerk.

Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is set to take centerstage on Monday in the women’s 59kg before fellow Tokyo Olympic Elreen Ann Ando troops to the floor in the women’s 64kg.

Rosegie Ramos earlier missed out on a medal after placing fifth in the women’s 49kg.