SAKHIR, Bahrain — Philippine flag bearer Leo Mhar Lobrido led the country’s campaign with a show of grit and brilliance as Filipino athletes opened their bids at the Asian Youth Games at Exhibition World Bahrain.
The 16-year-old Lobrido, fighting in the flyweight division—a weight class long regarded as a Filipino stronghold in both amateur and professional boxing—delivered a masterful 5-0 victory over Salte Alhadidi of Jordan on Friday.
A nephew of Olympians Isidro and Virgilio Vicera, Lobrido advanced to the quarterfinals where he faces Binul Dulnada Dewasiri Narayana of Sri Lanka, who likewise posted a 5-0 win over Chung-wei Hsu of Chinese Taipei.
In the girls’ division, Shairylle Pores, also 16, prevailed in a tight 3-2 split decision against Bukhshonabonu Ahaduva of Uzbekistan to advance in the light flyweight class.
However, the national boxing team suffered an early setback when Ermalie Caballero bowed to Xinying Cui of China, 3-2, in the girls’ flyweight (50kg) division.
Hill climb at Royal Bahrain
It was an uphill battle for the Filipino golfers at the Royal Golf Club in Riffa, where the country’s bets tried to hold their ground in the final round of competition set on Saturday.
David Serdenia tallied a two-over 146 after rounds of 72 and 74, sitting 11 strokes behind China’s Jin Han, who surged ahead at nine-under (67-68) on the Colin Montgomerie-designed course.
Patrick Tambalque carded rounds of 75 and 76 for a seven-over total, while Tristan Padilla stood at eight-over after posting 78 and 74.
In the girls’ division, China’s Menghan Li led the field at 12-under (65-67), shining on the lush fairways set against a desert backdrop.
Filipina golfer Eliana Saga shared 11th place at four-under (70-70), eight strokes off the lead, while Crista Minoza stayed in contention at one-over (72-73). Precious Zaragosa struggled, finishing at 12-over 156.
Alas sustains drive
Rising volleyball star Sam Cantada vowed to keep the momentum going as the Alas Pilipinas girls’ team notched its second straight victory to secure a solid position in the quarterfinals of the volleyball tournament.
The Filipinas continued their fine run at Isa Sports City, overpowering Hong Kong, 25-15, 28-26, 25-21, to strengthen their hold on second place in Pool F with a 2-1 record, just behind unbeaten Thailand (3-0).
Their next challenge comes against Chinese Taipei for a spot in the semifinals.
Cantada emphasized the team’s focus on improvement, particularly in minimizing errors and enhancing chemistry as they aim for a podium finish.
“Pagtatrabahuhan namin kung anong pwedeng gawin na solusyon sa lahat ng mga lapses namin,” said Cantada. “Magvi-viewing kami, magte-training kami nang maayos, at pagtatrabahuhan namin para makuha namin yung game namin. One game at a time lang po kami.”
Cantada tallied 14 points built on 12 attacks, one block, and an ace, while Rhose Almendralejo added nine points, all on attacks.
Jins falter in taekwondo
The Philippine taekwondo team absorbed tough losses at Exhibition World Bahrain, with four jins falling short of advancing deeper into their brackets.
Juan Victorio Yamat and Felicity Jana Castel both bowed in the quarterfinals to Kazakh opponents, while Raphael Valentin Gaupo and Mary Heart Capulong exited in the Round of 16.
Yamat, 15, fell to Bunyad Bakhramkulov of Kazakhstan, 2-1, in the boys’ -48kg class, while Castel was outclassed by Aiym Serikbayeva in the girls’ -44kg division.
Gaupo yielded to Dzhonibek Nigmatov of Tajikistan in the boys’ +73kg, and Capulong lost to Lama Albqowr of Jordan in the girls’ +63kg category.
Despite the early exits, six Filipino jins remain in contention as the taekwondo competitions head into their final two days.
Still to see action are Rhiyanne Agatha Cadilena (girls’ -49kg), Lhord Jared Patrick Pasaron (boys’ -73kg), Princess Sarah Grace Pascual (girls’ -55kg), Matt Rejhan Lavestre (boys’ -55kg), Chuck Aeron Alariao (boys’ -63kg), and EJ Gaa (girls’ -63kg).
