Islay Bomogao and LJ Yasay dominated their respective muay divisions, adding two more gold medals for the Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday.
Bomogao narrowly edged Thailand’s Arissara Noon-Eiad 29-28 to claim the women’s -45kg class, while Yasay knocked out Malaysia’s Insyad Rumijam to top the men’s -51kg category at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
Bomogao, 25, was especially proud of her close win over Noon-Eiad, a renowned athlete from the host country.
“Sobrang saya ko po kasi I won versus the host country. ‘Yung kalaban ko po superstar po talaga siya dito, so it feels so nice to beat someone at that level,” said Bomogao, who secured her second SEA Games gold after previously winning the form event in 2022.
She also defeated Thailand’s Ploychompoo PU Phabai in ONE Championship just last month, further cementing her reputation as a formidable fighter against Thai opponents.
“Grabe ang saya ng year na to para sakin. Masaya ang Pasko, masaya ang ending ng aking taon, so sobrang happy po. Final na laro ko po this year and I’m so happy that it’s a win,” she added.
Yasay, 22, ended his bout in the second round with a powerful kick to the midsection.
“Sa round 1 feel ko na malakas ‘yung left and right kicks niya, pero feel ko kulang siya sa strength mentally, so dun ko siya nabasa. Lahat binuhos ko, nag all-out talaga ko sa second round,” said Yasay.
The Philippine muay team finished the day with a 2-gold, 1-silver haul, following Tyron Jamborillo’s runner-up finish in the men’s -45kg division. Jamborillo fell to Thailand’s Krittanu Saladkaew via knockout earlier in the day, before Bomogao’s and Yasay’s victories.
