By Kristel Satumbaga
ILAGAN, Isabela – Eljay Marco Vista gave the host city a big boost in its overall championship bid after capturing the first gold medal at stake in the 2019 Batang Pinoy Luzon leg championships here.
Vista, a Grade 6 student of Ilagan South Central School, bested the 24-man field that included 2018 Palarong Pambansa gold medalist Kacey Canlas of Olongapo City in the individual cadet male division of poomsae at the Brgy San Felipe covered court.
The 12-year-old hometown bet earned 7.670 points in beating Canlas, who settled for silver with 7.600 points, and Baguio City’s Wreily Canao (7.466).
“Hindi ko po in-expect na mananalo po ako kasi andito po yung magagaling kong kalaban sa Palaro,” said Vista, who failed to land at the podium in last year’s Palarong Pambansa in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
At the City of Ilagan Sports Complex, Pangasinan downed Parañaque, 21-18, 21-15, while Olongapo City clobbered Ilagan City, 21-5, 21-4, at the start of the beach volleyball eliminations.
Meanwhile, swimming competitions were postponed yesterday after organizers failed to finish cleaning the pool at the Isabela Sports Complex.
If they can finish it on time, swimming events will begin today with 20 golds to be contested.
Favored to dominate the event is national junior record holder Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh of Parañaque City who is out to stamp her class in 13-15 girls 200m and 400m individual medley.
