FILIPINO combat athlete Chino Sy Tancontian, a decorated Sambo multi-medalist, proved his versatility on the mat after clinching the silver medal in the men’s half-heavyweight (-100kg) division of the Oceania Judo Open held in Gold Coast, Australia.
The Davaoeño standout and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Solidarity scholar powered through a tough bracket, defeating three opponents before bowing to Great Britain’s Oliver Barratt in the championship match.
Tancontian started strong in the final, scoring an early waza-ari within the opening minute to seize momentum and showcase his technical precision. But Barratt rallied midway through the bout and executed a decisive ippon to secure the gold.
The 25-year-old Filipino earlier dominated his Pool D matches, beating Indonesia’s Gene Kalbu Soethama via ippon, then overcoming American Tokuzo Takahashi with two yuko. In the semifinals, he edged Australian Jack Rigby with one yuko to earn a spot in the title round.
The podium finish adds another milestone to Tancontian’s growing list of international achievements and serves as a confidence booster as he prepares for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand this December.
Tancontian is set to undergo a month-long intensive training camp in Japan, where he will hone his skills and conditioning under top-level coaches ahead of the regional competition.
“This silver medal is another step forward. The goal remains the same—to keep improving and bring pride to the country,” Tancontian said after the match.
