Cagers, tracksters lead list of gold medalists for Philippines in day 5
Naypyitaw, Myanmar—Long-jumper Henry Dagmil finally ended a string of heartaches, cyclist Mark Galedo rode like the wind and speed freak Archand Christian Bagsit blazed the tracks, boosting the Philippine drive Sunday in the 27th Southeast Asian Games here.
Dismissed by his rivals as an old hat, Dagmil’s 7.80 meters on his second jump settled an old score with 2011 tormentor Supanara Sukhasvasti of Thailand (7.71). Vietnam’s Van Lam Pham got the bronze (7.53).
The victory ended years of frustration since the 32-year-old from Polomolok, South Cotabato captured his last gold medal in 2007 Thailand.
“They were probably surprised. They thought I’m already done,” said Dagmil, who also won his prime event in 2005 Manila.
Dagmil, whose personal best was 7.99 achieved in 2008 in Los Angeles, tried to surpass his own SEA Games mark of 7.87 six years ago but fouled in his last two jumps.
“I still have power in my legs. Thanks to my coaches for improving my technique,” said Dagmil.
Silver in his previous stint, Bagsit actually led a 1-2 finish for the Filipino tracksters in the 400m. The 22-year-old NCAA champion from Letran timed 47.22 seconds in edging Edgardo Alejan (47.45) before Indonesia’s Edy Ariansyah checked in (47.78).
“My pacing was good. I just ran full speed and didn’t mind the field,” said Bagsit.
A two-time cycling Tour winner, Galedo clocked 1:07.00 in the men’s 50km individual time trial final held on a 10-lane highway near Mount Pleasant.
Galedo beat an Indonesian rival in the race against the clock and Ronald Oranza of LBC Cycling settled for bronze (1:07.50).
Cavite representative Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino awarded the gold to Galedo, champion of the 2012 Ronda Pilipinas and one Road Bike Philippines’ top riders.
As expected, Sinag Pilipinas thumped Malaysia, 84-56, to sweep the men’s basketball tournament at the Zeyar Thiri Indoor Stadium in this fast-developing city carved out of the vast jungles of Central Burma.
Bobby Ray Parks scored 18 and Kevin Alas added 15 as the Filipinos finished the Malaysians with a flourish for the country’s 16th crown in the Games.
STILL AT SEVENTH
Team Philippines jacked it up to 11 gold medals that went with 13 silvers and 21 bronzes, but it is still at seventh place behind Singapore (15-12-21).
As of presstime, Thailand surged ahead with 43 gold medals , 37 silvers and 38 bronzes while Myanmar tallied 37-30-33 and Vietnam 35-32-41. Indonesia lay at fourth (32-47-43) and Malaysia fifth (21-15-37).
The Filipinos are targeting 11 gold medals today in various fronts with rowers Nestor Cordova, Benjamin Tolentino, Edgar Ilas, Alvin Amposta and Roque Abala Jr. advancing to the finals of their events. /Inquirer with a report from correspondent jonas panerio
