Chiongbian storms to golden performance in Batang Pinoy

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano triathlete Yuan Chiongbian bagged another gold medal in duathlon event of the 2014 Philippine Youth Games-Batang Pinoy National Finals yesterday at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

Chiongbian who posted a time of 29 minutes and 42 seconds, was outsprinted in the final 150 meters, but he was still able to grab the gold against Brent Valelo who settled for silver. Tonito Alejo secured the bronze medal.

Later in the day, Chiongbian tried cross-country mountainbiking, but could only do as much as host Bacolod City swept all the medals, while another Cebuano Michael Mier landed fourth.

Aside from duathlon, Chiongbian also hauled golds in the individual and mixed relay competition in triathlon, another gold in the individual time trial and a silver in the criterium.

Meanwhile, Leonida Cambarijan, a product of Cebu City Sports Commission's grassroots development program won the 36-kilograms gold in weightlifting. Team Cebu City also harvested four golds and a bronze medal in karatedo.

The end of the day saw TCC dominating the boys' futsal event courtesy of Don Bosco Technology Center led by coach Glen Ramos. Cebu City defeated fellow Visayas qualifier Negros Oriental, 4-0 win to take on Southern Luzon in the gold medal match.

In the final action, the Cebuanos had a 3-2 mark at the half before zooming in to 11-1 run in the final half resulting to a 14-3 beating.— Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)