Rising star Fierre Afan boosted his stock further by overpowering French Ethan Sebastian Forrez, 15-2, to rule the -71 kg GP Gi men’s division in the 2023 World Grappling Championship last Tuesday in Warsaw, Poland.
The title win was a fitting a follow-up to his stellar showing in the United World Grappling Asian Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan last June where he won two gold medals.
“So difficult but I made it. It’s so sweet,” Afan, who will be representing the country in the World Combat Games October 21 to 30 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, said. “All opponents here are so strong, quick, versatile and smart that’s why I fought wisely, and I outsmarted everyone.”
In advancing to the final, the 19-year-old grappler from Marikina beat 20-year-old Poles Eryk Marcin Szychowski, 10-3, before subduing Alau Sakenuly of Kazakhstan, 4-2, in the semifinal round.
Lucas Aguilar, son of Wrestling Association of the Philippines (WAP) President Alvin Aguilar, bagged two bronze medals 63 kg U-17 grappling gi and no gi classes.
Aside from Afan and Lucas Aguilar, other Filipino grapplers who took part in the event were Aisa Ratcliff, Lucho Aguilar, Joko Silverio and Annie Parungao.
The PH delegation was supported by the Philippine Amusements Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
