Honor student Games golden girl

Jennifer Grace Jamero belied her young age by performing pressure-free to win two gold medals in artistic gymnastics in the second day of action in the first Manila Youth Games at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The 11-year-old Jamero, a consistent honor student at the Sta. Ana Elementary School, captured her first gold for the day in the floor exercise event with a score of 8.70.

Jamero, whose father makes a living driving an FX taxi , defeated Christine Joy Adajar of District IV (7.85) for the gold. Sharing the bronze were Lovely Resureccion and Jenevieb Fabillar (7.55).

Resureccion, however, defeated Jamero in the vault category with a score of 3.45. Jamero scored 3.30 and Adajar 3.15.

Jamero returned later in the day to win the individual all-around with 12 points. Ressurecion and Adajar wound up tied with 11 points.

"Wala akong masyadong kaba dahil ang inisip ko ay maglaro-laro lang," said Jamero.

In dancesports, James Paul Talusan and Gerica Mae Tullao of District I danced their way to the gold in the modern standard category, beating District VI’s Rex Mendel Manite and Judylin Melencio and District I’s Gisbert Igaya and Marrise Melencio.

Their victory, however, was placed under protest due to allegations that Talusan is over the age limit of 12. Organizers said they would decide on the protest today.

The victory thus put Talusan and Tullao into a strong position of being part of the Manila team which will defend its overall title in this year’s edition of the Philippine National Youth Games-Batang Pinoy.

In softball, Adamson University outclassed Polytechnic University of the Philippines, 10-2, earlier in the day with pitchers Patricia Dimal, Leah Crudo and Bernadette Atole neutralizing their rival’s offensives.

This event is organized by Manila Sports Council head Ali Atienza, son of Manila Mayor Lito, and sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, PAGCOR, WG&A Super Ferry and Smart with support from Peak Taekwondo sports equipment, Victor Sports, CURE, Manly Sportswear, Pressworks, Konka TV, Jianshe Motorcycles and PC-One Computers.