By Joseph Pedrajas
James Palicte and Riza Pasuit added two more Philippine bets in the finals of the boxing competition with victories in the men’s 64kg and women’s 60kg divisions Sunday night in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the PICC Forum.
Philippines’ Riza Pasuit has her arm raised after winning the women’s boxing lightweight division semifinals against Indonesia’s Hasanah Huswatun in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at PICC Forum in Pasay, Dec. 8, 2019. (REUTERS / Eloisa Lopez)
Palicte, 25, essayed a memorable first SEAG campaign after defeating a Thailand’s Atichai Phoemsap 4-1.
“Tingin ko lamang talaga siya. Napakahirap talagang laruin ng Thai na yun,” he said.
“Grabe yung saya ko ngayon, di ko ma-explain,” added Palicte, dedicating his win to his father who encouraged him to pursue the sport.
Like Palicte, Pasuit beat her opponent, Indonesian Huswatun Hasanah 4-1, overcome finally her fear of failing.
“Natatakot ako na hindi makapag perform ng maayos. Parang di ako makatulog kasi dito ginaganap ang SEA Games. So lahat ng pressure, nasa utak ko,” 26-year-old Pasuit said.
“Pero sa last round, nakita ko [na panalo na ko],” she added.
Sunday’s afternoon session saw three boxers — Irish Magno (women’s 51-kg), Rogen Ladon (men’s 52-kg) and Charly Suarez (men’s 60-kg) —advance to the finals.
On Friday, Carlo Paalam, Josie Gabuco and Eumir Felix Marcial also secured chances to vie for gold, while Marjon Piañar made it to the championship round after drawing a bye.
Source: Manila Bulletin
Xtra Sports ph 