Army runner bags 1st gold
Credit to Author: Tempo Online| Date: Wed, 06 Mar 2019 07:59:08 +0000
By Kristel Satumbaga
ILAGAN, Isabela – Richard Salaño made a strong case in his bid to earn a spot in the Philippine team for the coming SEA Games when he became the first gold medal winner in the 2019 Ayala Philippine Athletics Championships yesterday at the City of Ilagan Sports Complex here.
Employing a wait-and-see attitude early in the race, Salaño, 27, topped the men’s 10,000 meters to become the first repeat champion in the three-day tournament.
The Army corporal timed a personal-best 31 minutes and 42.31 seconds to beat Air Force bets Rafael Poliquit (31:42.96) and Anthony Nerza (31:43.89).
“Pangarap ko po talagang mag-SEA Games kaya kailangan kong pagbutihin yung oras ko (I dream of competing in the SEAG that’s why I need to improve my time),” said Salaño, whose previous best record was 32:30.67 which he posted in last year’s edition.
Salaño, Poliquit and Nerza were running neck-to-neck in the first five kilometers before the reigning titlist made his move reaching the six-km mark and held on to his lead despite the resilient attempts of Poliquit and Nerza.
Also worthy a place in the PH team was Janry Ubas, who captured the men’s long jump gold with a leap of 7.55m on his last attempt to dethrone last year’s champion Julian Fuentes (7.24m) and National University’s Karl Aquino (7.23m).
Fil-American Donovant Arriola, who was aiming to make a comeback, landed sixth in 7.07m.
It was Ubas’ first competition since figuring in a motorcycle accident last September that fractured his face.
“Kailangan ko lang ibalik yung dating Janry Ubas kasi after nung accident, sobrang down ako,” said Ubas, adding that he almost quit the sport if not for the encouragement of his teammates.
Also ruling their events were Christine Hallasgo in women’s 10,000m (38:39.27), NU’s Leonard Grospe in boys high jump (1.92m), Daniella Daynata in women’s discus throw (40.19m), Angel Carino in women’s triple jump (11.60m), hometown bet Hokket Delos Santos in boys pole vault (4.30m) and University of the Philippines’ Ed Deliña in boys discus throw (44.75m).
Gold medals were also given to age group champions in the masters men 10,000m that include Andrico Mahilum (30-34), Jujet De Asis (35-39), Eduardo Buenavista (40-44), Romeo Marquez (45-49), Sixto Ducay (50-54), Rodolfo Tacadino (55-59), Sofronio Igay (60 & above) and Dennis Scott.