PH paddlers open world dragon boat meet with 2 silvers, 4 bronzes

Philippine paddlers in action during the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships in Puerto Princesa. –HANDOUT PHOTO

Philippine paddlers opened their campaign in the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships in Puerto Princesa with two silver and four bronze medals Thursday.

In their international debut while performing in near ideal conditions, the Philippine junior bets took the silver in the 2,000-meter small boat event with a time of 10 minutes and 15.51 seconds in the tournament that serves as a main qualifier for the World Cup.

READ: ICF world dragon boat meet unfolds in Puerto Princesa

“This is a good showing for them considering they trained together for the time in August,” said national coach Duch Co of the squad composed of Fiona Reign Minsing, Carla Joy Cabugon, Maria Kristina Mane, Chanal Maglasang, Ronen Estoque, Ivan Ercilla, Dirk Quinones, Jordan Jurado, Doree Rill Blanco, Angelo Osin, John Rex Senora, Jessa Mery Divine Dinampo and John Brix Caasi.

The hosts began the day placing second in the women’s masters of the 2,000-meter small boat event, clocking 14:04.67.  The PH standard-bearers also had bronzes in the junior men’s, women’s open, 40+ Open and 50+ Open races of the 2,000-meter small boat events in the meet backed by the Philippine Sports Commission.

The national squad also placed 10th overall in the mixed 2,000-meter race with a time of 9:46.34 in one of three races that will determine the top nine countries that will qualify for the World Games in Chengdu, China next year.

READ: PH all set for hosting of world dragon boat meet in Palawan

Co, though, said that the Filipino squad had to overcome the handicap of racing ninth and last in the first race.

“I am offering no excuses but sometimes this make the race even more difficult if you are drawn near the end of the race,” said Co of the event where each team is released at 10-second intervals.

“When you’re in this position at the end, your steersman needs to be skillful. Overall, the team performed well,” said veteran national skipper OJ Fuentes.

The hometown paddlers showcased their wares with Southeast Asian rivals Indonesia and Thailand finishing second (9:30.99) and fifth (9:37.17), respectively.

“Since they have already qualified in the ICF Dragon Boat World Cup in Yichang, China the other weekend, the Philippines is technically now ranked No. 8 after the first qualifying event in this competition for the World Games,” Co said.

As the host, China is assured of one of the 10 slots available for the dragon boat sports that will make its maiden appearance in the city of Chengdu.