By REY C. LACHICA
PARIS – Like the way she claimed an Olympic berth, the Philippines’ Sam Catantan made it to the 32-player main draw in the women’s individual foil of the Paris Olympics in dramatic fashion.
In a back-and-forth contest, the Filipino showed steely resolve as she fought back from a slow start to beat Brazilian Mariana Pistoia, 15-13, and nail the 32nd and final slot on Sunday, July 28, at the Grand Palais here.
But the PH delegation’s celebration did not last long as Catantan fell to veteran Arianna Errigo, 15-13.
But it was one gallant fight for Catantan considering the Italian’s impressive resume.
The 36-year-old Errigo is regarded as one of the greatest fencers of all time being a 9-time European champion and three-time Olympian.
Not only that, Errigo is a six-time world champion and part of Italy’s gold winning team during the London Games. She bagged a silver in the individual play.
For giving the world No. 2 a scare, Cantantan is sure to gain much-deserved attention despite lack of international exposure.
Perhaps, that will be Catantan’s next mission if she is to get a better ranking in future tournaments including the LA Games four years from now.
Meantime, Fil-Ivorian Maxine Isabel Esteban lost to Tokyo Games veteran Pauline Ranvier of the host nation, 15-7.
Esteban, who is ranked No. 20 in the tournament, scored first against the member of the French team that won the silver three years ago.
Meantime, Fil-Ivorian Maxine Isabel Esteban lost to Tokyo Games veteran Pauline Ranvier of the host nation, 15-7.
Esteban, who is ranked No. 20 in the tournament, scored first against the member of the French team that won the silver three years ago.
