by Waylon Galvez
Jiu Jitsu fighter Annie Ramirez made the country proud again by beating American Sophia Dalpra to win the gold medal in the 55 kilogram purple women’s category in the 2019 Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship Friday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Ramirez, currently ranked No. 17 in the world, defeated Dalpra via the decision after their match ended in a tie at 4-4.
Two years ago, Ramirez managed only a bronze.
Ramirez earned a bye in the first round and then won against Kazakhstan’s Galina Duvanova, 5-0, in the quarterfinals. She stunned world No. 2 Maha Alhinaai, 3-0, in the semifinal round.
The event is the first for Ramirez in an international competition with the rest of the national team as their preparation continue for the 30th Southeast Asian Games here later this year.
The other Filipinos who saw action in this event include Meggie Ochoa (49kgs brown/black belt), Kaila Napolis (49kgs purple belt), Apryl Eppinger (62kgs brown/black belt), Gian Dee (62kgs brown belt), Marc Lim (69kgs brown belt) and Hansel Co (77kgs black belt).
