Valda, Tumasis lead RP charge in wrestling tiff

Marcus Araneta Valda and Melchor Tumasis, both candidates to the national team to the 2002 Busan Asian Games, led the Team Philippines to a four-gold medal haul in the Greco-Roman side of the IV Southeast Asian Wrestling Championship at the Badminton Hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Valda, fancied to win another gold in the freestyle competition, ruled the 96kg category and Tumasis, 1997 SEA Games gold medallist, dominated the 60kg division.

Michael Baletin (74 kg) and Kirk Go (120 kg) rounded out the Filipino gold medallists in the day in the championship sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Philippine Charity Sweepstakes, Department of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Authority, Power Bar, Philippine Olympic Committee and Tiara Oriental hotel and supported by General Nutrition Center.

Valda outclassed Indonesian Hosi Ninh en route to the gold while Tumasis and Baletin dominated their respective rivals. Kirk Go dropped a match en route to his gold medal finish.

Vietnam, defending overall champion, kept pace with Team Philippines by bagging the remaining four gold medals.

Tran Van Son, Dang Dinh Hue, To Trung Kien and Can Van Thuc dominated the 51kg, 56kg, 66kg and 84kg classes, respectively.

Team Philippines and Vietnam also chalked up three silver medals apiece. However, Team Philippines beat Vietnam in the bronze medal tally, 5-3.

Paulo de los Santos failed to sustain his first day form and settled for the silver medal in the 51kg. Ruel Nacional (66kg) and Francis Villanueva (120kg) were the other Filipino silver medal winners.

Team Philippines bronze medallists included Roy Camposano, Renerio Rapisora, Ronilo Sabijon, Marciano Basas and John Esteban.

Indonesia salvaged two silvers and a bronze while Thailand clinched a solitary bronze.

Cambodia and Malaysia ended up medal-less.