By Randy Caluag
PHNOM PENH — First-timer Rhenel Desuyo tries to jumpstart Team Philippines’ bid in vovinam as he goes for a final seat and a sure silver medal in the male -65kg combat category at the Chroy Changva International Convention and Exhibition Center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
With six participating countries in the weight category, Desuyo drew a bye and will battle the winner between Chainarong Yawanophat of Thailand and Aung Then Naing of Myanmar in the semifinals.
A victory gives him a shot at the gold medal later in the day in this Vietnamese martial art sport being played for the second straight time here at the 32nd edition of the Southeast Asian Games.
Vovinam made its debut in Hanoi, Vietnam last year, with the Philippines bagging a silver and a pair of bronze medals.
Benguet-based Jerlyn Kingad, who is also making her first appearance in the biennial meet, takes on Ausa Panyasli of Laos in the semifinals of the female-55-kg. division.
Three bets from Cebu also take centerstage for the Performance category. Out to show the best forms are Cedric Bolneo in the male Five Gate Form, Jannah Cecilia Gabuya in the female Cross Form, and Marife Hermosa in the male Dragon Tiber Form.
The Philippines is one of the newcomers in the sport and is looking to go for gold in its second appearance.
“Despite our team being the newest (in the sport) among the seven participating countries, we are aiming for our first gold medal either in the combat or performance category,” said Vovinam Pilipinas secretary-general Jop Mendoza.