W’surfer Coveta nails gold

PHUKET, Thailand—Foiled in his golden bid in the Incheon Asian Games, windsurfer Geylord Coveta redeemed himself at the 4th Asian Beach Games here.

The world champion from Mabini, Batangas, delivered the third gold medal for the Philippines on Thursday with a runaway victory in the men’s RS:One event off Karon Central Beach.

Coveta topped the final race and finished with 14 points to complete his mastery of silver medalist Natthahong Phonoppharat of Thailand (19) and China’s Li Tao (20).

The event goes to the sailor with the lowest score after eight races.

“I never doubted his ability to perform,” said Philippine chef de mission Richard Gomez of Coveta. “He’s a world-class athlete.”

Coveta’s gold pushed the Philippines to 11th overall with three gold, one silver and four bronze medals.

Thailand stayed on top in the 45-nation field with a 33-24-26 haul. China was a far second with 14-7-16, followed by Japan with 6-3-5.

Hampered by a right-hand strain, Coveta placed sixth in the Asiad two months ago where he tried his luck in the men’s mistral instead of his pet event.

The 32-year-old won the 2012 world championship in Boracay and last year’s Asian championship.

Yancy Kaibigan, Coveta’s training partner, was seventh among 12 entries with 41 points.

Louijie Tipgos and Jade Becaldo pulled off a 19-21, 21-19, 15-13 upset over Juan Shang-hsuan and Wang Chin-ju of Chinese Taipei to gain the round of 16 in men’s beach volleyball while the Philippine Amigas bested India, 18-10, 14-9, for ninth place in women’s handball.

In extreme sports, Armand Mariano finished fourth in the BMX Park-Best Trick finals.

Jetski racer Billy Joseph Ang landed sixth out of eighth with 112 points in the runabout stock event.