Cebuano karateka shines

NINE-year old Rafael Vidal of the Insular Square ISKF-AKC Lapu-Lapu team captured a gold medal in the 8-9 years-old kata category in the prestigious Singapore International Open of the Singapore Karatedo Federation last March 11 at the Jurong East Sports Hall in Singapore.

Vidal topped the kata (form) competition and also finished with a silver medal in the kumite (spar) competition by defeating Singapore’s Devie Wong.

In the juniors division, Jaime Sumalinog claimed the silver medal after winning over Singapore’s Len Mih Ying before losing his bid in the final round in the 55-kilogram kumite competition.

Kent Juban defeated Vietnam before losing also his bid for the gold medal and settled for silver in the 60kg division.

Rafael’s younger sister, Ayanna, finished with a bronze medal after winning over fellow Filipino karateka Maria Jen Bastilo in the kumite 6-7 years-old division.

The Filipinos were joined by their sensei, Reynan Vidal. “It was a great experience competing against the best karatekas in the Southeast Asian region,” said Vidal.

The team will be competing in the National Age Group 2013 at the Philippine Sports Arena this coming April 11-12 and in the Southeast Asia Karatedo Federation in Fontana, Pampanga this coming April 17-19. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL