The epee women’s team acknowledges the support of the crowd after their victory against Singapore in the finals. (Waylon Galvez)
By Waylon Galvez
Girl power delivers again for the Philippine fencing team.
The team of Harlene Raguin, Hanniel Abella, Anna Gabriella Estimada and Mickyle Rein Bustos claimed the gold medal following a 45-38 win over Singapore in epee event in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Saturday at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Abella, the 26-year-old silver medal winner in the individual epee category, delivered the needed closing points for the Philippines, which now has a total of two gold medals, two silvers and six bronzes.
The win also marked the first time for the epee team to capture the gold in the biennial meet.
In this file photo, Philippines’ Haniel Abella, left, and Singapore’s Abdul Rahman Kiria clash during the the fencing individual epee finals at World Trade Center, December 4, 2019. (MB Photo / Rio Leonelle Deluvio / Canon 1DX Mark II 70-200mm f2.8 lens)
More than their feat of winning the gold medal, it was all about coming through together for the epee team when it mattered most after all the sacrifices they went through to be in this position.
Philippine Fencing Association chief, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez. left, and former PFA president Celso Dayrit congratulate the epee women’s team. (Waylon Galvez)
“Ako sobrang memorable para sakin ito, kasi dapat magre-retire na ako,” said the 36-year-old Raguin, whose first SEA Games stint was in 2003 Hanoi. “Pero pina-balik nila ako para tulungan yung team. This is a very good exit for me.”
“Sobrang saya, kasi nagbunga lahat ng sakripisyo namin,” said the 31-year-old Estimada. “Iba sa amin took a leave sa work, and then yung isa sa amin (Abella) nag-resign. She gave up on her dream job just to focus on fencing.”
The national team defeated Vietnam in the semifinals 44-33, while Singapore defeated Thailand 45-37 in the other semifinal pairing. Vietnam and Thailand both earned bronze medals.
The team’s win gave the Philippines its second gold medal after Jylyn Nicaor delivered the first with a come-from-behind triumph in women’s individual sabre last Thursday.
Philippine Fencing Association president, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez understands the euphoria of winning since himself won a gold medal with the men’s epee team in 2005 SEA Games here.
“I’m very happy kasi historic ito for women’s team epee. This is the first time na makapanalo ang women’s team epee ng isang gold,” said Gomez. “The last gold na nakuha ng women’s individual was way back in 1993 Singapore SEA Games pa.
“Pero hindi pa kami tapos, meron pang two events (team competitions tomorrow, Sunday in foil an d epee), and we’re hoping na we’ll clinch more medals, hopefully gold makuha namin.”
Source: Manila Bulletin
Xtra Sports ph 