VETERAN Marestella Torres-Sunang bolstered her hope of competing in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games possibly one final time after she topped the Milo-PATAFA (Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association) Performance and Time Trials at the Imus Sports Complex on Sunday.
The 41-year-old Ms. Sunang, a former Asian champion and four-time SEA Games gold medalist, overcame the windy condition in registering 6.11 meters in claiming the gold.
It was a big leap from her 6.06m effort in the Ayala Philippine Athletics Championships in December last year in Baguio that was only good for a silver behind Katherine Khay Santos, who snatched the mint via count back.
“I’m happy with my jump. I had a good fitness and conditioning also,” said Ms. Sunang, who turned a leaf last Feb. 20.
While she fell short of the SEA Games bronze medal standard of 6.16m, Ms. Sunang is optimistic she can make the cut in time for Hanoi where she hopes to come through with a podium finish in what could be her last hurrah in the SEA Games.
“We can pull her (Ms. Sunang) so she can be jumping between 6.20 to 6.30 that would boost her chances of a podium finish,” said national team coach Joebert Delicano.
Southeast Asian Games relay bronze medalists Frederick Ramirez and Jessel Lumapas ruled the men’s and women’s 400m in 47.42 and 57.31 seconds, respectively, in this three-day meet backed by Lily’s Peanut Butter and Philippine Sports Commission.
Other winners were Clint Neri (men’s long jump), Edwin Giron, Jr. (men ‘s 800m), Bernalyn Bejoy (women’s 800m), and James Orduna (men’s 5,000m). — Joey Villar