by Isabella Magno

The Philippines remained in fifth place in the overall medal tally on the ninth day of the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, after continuing to win medals in the international arena but falling behind four other countries (Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore). Filipino athletes have clinched 47 gold, 65 silver, and 88 bronze medals, bringing the total medal number to 200. 

Today, three gold-silver finishes were harvested by Filipino athletes, particularly representatives in billiards and tennis, while an individual gold medal was delivered from the weightlifting event.

The finals games of both the men’s and women’s 10-ball chess events contested today were dominated by an all-Filipino battle, with Rubilen Amit capturing a 7-5 win over compatriot Chezka Centeno, and Carlo Biado defeating Johann Chua after a 9-3 victory.

Another all-Filipino finals game was completed on the world court as the Philippine tennis team attained gold-silver finishes in the men’s double tennis event. Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzalez, the golden champions, beat Francis Casey Alcantara and Jeson Patrombon in the competition.

Moreover, Filipina weightlifter Vanessa Sarno captured the gold in the women’s 71kg division with a total lift of 239kg (104kg in snatch and 135kg in clean and jerk).

Meanwhile, weightlifter Elreen Ando settled for the silver in the women’s 64kg division as Pham Thi Hong Thanh of Vietnam defended her gold with a total lift of 230kg, a seven-kilogram lead over Ando.

Janelle Mae Frayna Bermas and Shania Mae Mendoza Garcia (Women’s Team Blitz in Chess) and Dary John Mercado (Men’s 55kg in Judo) are the other new silver medalists.

While the bronze medalists are: Maria Jeanalane Lopez (Women’s -45kg in Judo), Daniel Quizon and Jan Emmanuel Garcia (Men’s Team Blitz in Chess), Ariel Lampacan (Men’s Combat 54kg in Muay Thai), Rudzma Abubakar (Women’s combat 48kg in Muay Thai), and Leah Jhane Lopez (Women’s 48 kg in Judo).

In addition, the Philippine football team also brought a bronze medal after overcoming a decades-long medal drought in the women’s football by defeating Myanmar, 2-1.

The two points earned by the team were contributed by Sarina Bolden and Quinley Quezada in the second half of the game, marking the first podium finish of the country since 1985.

In the basketball event, Gilas women paved their way to being an inch closer from reclaiming a SEA Games gold after going undefeated in four games, including an 88-61 triumph against Singapore. Clare Castro led the team with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

In the same manner, Gilas Pilipinas maintained flawless in the current feat after having its fifth straight win, even demolishing Malaysia in an 87-44 match turnout. With 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, Thirdy Ravena emerged as the team’s standout.

If this record is upheld, Gilas Pilipinas would be claiming its 14th straight SEA Games gold.