GOLD MEDAL FOR RP FENCER
Pasig City, Nov 19, 1998 -
Avelino Victorino, playing in his very first international competition,
won the gold medal in the cadet boys' epee event of the fifth Asian Youth
Fencing Championships late Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Seventeen-year-old Avelino, an accounting major at the Far Eastern University, defeated Mohammad Rezaie of Iran, 15-10, to give the Philippines its very first gold medal in the biennial tournament. His victory also gave him a spot in next year's World Junior Championships.
Philippine Amateur Fencers Association (PAFA) president Celso Dayrit said yesterday the country will prepare early for the world junior meet.
"We're upbeat, specially now that we can see the results of our junior program. Some of our junior players will also be sent to Bangkok, not only for exposure but also for a shot at the medals," Dayrit said.
"I am very happy because through this victory, I hope I could finally earn my slot and get elevated to the top squad of the national team," Victorino said following his triumph.
It was a difficult tournament for Victorino, who had to beat another Iranian, Moshen Tavakoli, 15-13, in the semi-finals. Victorino only registered four victories in the preliminaries while the Iranians had perfect five.
Carmelo Jericho Dayrit, the PAFA president's son, added another bronze to the Philippines' medal haul. He shared third place with Tavakoli.
Almario Viscayno and Rolando Canlas, both bronze medallists in the cadet foil event held last Monday, placed 12th and 14th, respectively. The Filipina fencers did not fare as well. Not one of them advanced to the final four of the cadet girls' epee event won by Japan's Yuki Maeda.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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