By REY C. LACHICA
PARIS – All eyes will be on boxer Nesthy Petecio as she tries to extend her own version of “Last Dance” and make it truly special when she battles Poland’s Julia Szeremta in the semis of the women’s 57kg division in the Paris Olympics on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at the Roland Garros Stadium here.
The venue of the all-important match set at 9:45 p.m. (3:45 a.m. in Manila) is already teeming with great tennis stories from the past and present stars, and Petecio is hoping she could author a fascinating tale of her own, one that is worthy to remember the rest of her life.
“It’s a tough challenge but I will do my best,” said Petecio after a dazzling display that rewarded her a sweet 5-0 triumph over a taller Xi Zichu of China in the quarterfinals last Sunday at the North Paris Arena,
A victory would guarantee Petecio of matching her silver medal finish in the Tokyo Games three years ago.
In the opposite bracket is reigning titlist Lin Yu Ting of Chinese-Taipei, the player she wants to meet very badly in order to avenge her defeat in Tokyo.
Petecio, however, is not taking Szeremta lightly.
Fo one, the Polish is three inches taller at 5-foot-5 and is likely to use that to her advantage.
But PH coaching staff, led by Rey Galido, likes the chances of Petecio, having studied the movements of Szeremta up close and through videos.
“Petecio is used to fighting taller opponents, so let’s see,” said Galido.
In her win over the Chinese, Petecio was a joy to watch, what with her swift movements and rapid-fire attack that even impressed everybody – Galido included.
“She’s pumped up and getting deadlier,” added Galido.
After the failed podium finish by world No 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena and the early exit of hurdler Lauren Hoffman on Monday, it is now imperative for Petecio to deliver another win to keep the PH drive going.
Thanks to two straight of magical nights from gymnast ace Carlos Yulo, the Philippines is ranked inside the Top 25 among 184 countries taking part in the greatest sports show on earth.
Meantime, world No. 5 John Febuar Ceniza will be the first one to see action among three Filipino weightlifters when he vies in the 61kg class at the South Paris Arena.
Elreen Ando, who beat Tokyo Games hero Hidilyn Diaz for a spot in the women’s 59kg class, competes on Thursday while world No. 4 Vanessa follows suit on Friday in the women’s 71kg.
Also launching their medal bids on Wednesday are golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina.
Though given little chances to prevail as they are against the giants of the sport, the two are eager to prove themselves in the 60-player field at the Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-En-Yvelines.
Considered as one of the longest hitters in the LPGT Tour, Pagdanganan is aching to beat her 43rd place showing in the Tokyo Games where he had the now Japanese citizen Yuka Saso as partner.
“I’ve learned so much about my game since the Tokyo Games, and about myself and how I handle myself on the golf course,” Pagdanganan shared in a recent interview.
Saso, who finished 9th the last time, is also here, but is now carrying a different flag.
Ardina, however, is more realistic about her chances but she is embracing the challenge just like everyone else in the field.
Fancied to lord over the competition is Nelly Korda, who will try to complete an American sweep after Scottie Scheffler pulled off a sensational come-from-behind victory last Sunday.
