Tina Vergara ensured that her return from retirement would make a significant impact as she clinched her third gold medal in the women’s under-60 kg freestyle wrestling event of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
The competition took place on Tuesday at the Chroy Changvar Convention Center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The women’s wrestling competitions in this edition of the Games followed a round-robin pool format, where the wrestler with the best record after all the bouts would claim the gold medal.
The 44-year-old playing coach excelled in this format.
Vergara demonstrated her dominance in the pool matches, defeating Cambodia’s Sambat Vannak with a score of 4-1. She then continued her impressive performance by shutting out Laos’ Sopha Thammavong with a perfect score of 5-0.
Her technical superiority was evident in both bouts, securing her the gold medal. Vergara’s victory added to the country’s wrestling success following Jason Balabal’s gold medal win the previous day.
Having previously won gold medals in consecutive Games, namely the 2003 Vietnam Games and the 2005 home Games, Vergara’s achievement propelled the Philippines closer to matching their record-breaking 52-gold medal haul from the previous year’s Hanoi Games.
It was also a double celebration for the Vergara household as Tina’s daughter Cathlyn impressed in the women’s 59kg class, taking bronze.
Jiah Aurora Pingot claimed the silver medal in the women’s 50kg weight class, earning two victories and suffering one defeat. She finished just behind Vietnam’s Thi Xuan Nguyen.
In addition, Jeanmae Lobo secured a silver medal in the women’s 72kg category. After a loss to Cambodia’s Chea Kanha, Lobo bounced back and defeated Laos’ Phonexai Paosavat to secure her place on the podium.
The team also had three athletes who won bronze medals in their respective weight classes.
Maribel Angana achieved bronze in the women’s 53kg category, displaying her skill and determination throughout the competition.
Grace Loberanes, competing in the women’s 55kg division, also secured a bronze medal, showcasing her talent and resilience.
With four gold medals left to secure, the Philippine team is eager to continue their winning streak and achieve a remarkable feat.
