Olympic silver medalist Nesthy Petecio failed to replicate her previous victory against her rival, Lin Yu Ting of Chinese Taipei, and exited early from the 19th Asian Games on Friday at the Hangzhou Gymnasium.
Lin utilized her height and reach advantage to keep her Filipina adversary at bay. That secured a 4-1 decision and a spot in the quarterfinals of the women’s 57-kg class.
Two years ago, Petecio, 31, defeated the 5-foot-9 Chinese Taipei fighter 3-2 in the Round of 16 at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
There, the native of Davao Del Sur won a silver medal. This time, however, it wasn’t meant to be.
“Nag-unahan kami kung sino ang makakakuha ng saktong style. At naunahan niya talaga ako,” said Petecio, who displayed humility in defeat.
The loss denied Petecio her first opportunity to secure a return ticket to the Olympics set in Paris next year. Te quadrennial showcase serves as a qualifier for the Olympiad.
Now, she must compete in the World Championship with the hope of earning a spot in the Paris Games, completing what has remained unfinished business for her.
“Hindi pa tayo tapos,” Petecio vowed.
Petecio’s exit also marked the end of the women’s team campaign in the Asiad, leaving the men’s team – now reduced to just three fighters – to carry the torch in their quest to win the first gold medal in Philippine boxing since the 2010 edition of the quadrennial meet in Guangzhou, China.
Apart from Petecio, those who failed to advance included her fellow Olympian Irish Magno, Aira Villegas, Aaron Jude Bado, Mark Ashley Fajardo, and Marjon Pianar.
