RP paces Eskrima tourney

CEBU, Philippines – The Philippine contingent takes an early lead in the Cacoy Doce Pares World Eskrima-Arnis Championship at the City Sports Cebu at Ayala Business Park.

The host has garnered six gold medals as of press time.

Ronald Farol, a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) started the medal haul by capturing gold in the men’s double weapon form.

Miko Cañete, grandson of Supreme Grandmaster Ciriaco “Cacoy” Cañete, grabbed in the gold in the boy’s 18 Above single stick while June Babe Caballes snatched another gold in double weapon category in the boys U-18 class.

The RP team won all three medals at stake in the demonstration category.

Australian Grand Master Vince Palumbo, who owns the International Combative Martial Arts Academy based in Adelaide, Australia, prevented the RP team from taking a second gold in the men’s division.

Palumbo bested Dino Haynes (USA) and Riel Taba (RP) for the gold in the men’s single stick.

Australian Giuseppe Zampaglione, one of Palumbo’s brightest wards, placed second to Caballes in the boys double weapon form while Jhun Ahr Sudaria (RP) settled for third.

Glenn Gardiner, head of the Indonesian team, took silver honors in the double weapon form. Idi Tindiano, another Indonesian, took home the bronze.

The three-day international stick-fighting event ends today. After the competition, Grandmaster Cañete will host all participants with a farewell banquet at his residence in C. Padilla Street. –THE FREEMAN