N. Mindanao bets run show

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte–In the absence of the ace athletes from the traditional powerhouse regions, Northern Mindanao continued to outclass the opposition, particularly in the pool while Central Luzon stole some of the limelight going into the final day of the Palarong Pambansa at the Mindanao Civic Center yesterday.

With National Capital Region, the multi-titled Big City of past Palaro, Western Visayas, Ilocos and the two Southern Tagalog squads opting not to join the Tubod meet due to the peace and order situation in the south, Region 10 imposed its will on the pool over other Mindanao rivals.

Tournament sensation Monique Bacolod spearheaded the charge by winning two more events in the last day swimming as she emerged one of the most bemedalled athletes of the meet.

At the last count, Northern Mindanao was at the helm of secondary division’s medal standing with a total haul of 31 gold, 23 silver and 17 bronze medals although Central Luzon made significant gains in Day 4 by displacing Davao region at second place with a harvest of 18 gold, eight silver and 18 bronze medals.

Davao, which had 13 gold medals at presstime, however, pulled off the victories that mattered with record-breaking triumphs in the elementary track and field of this event supported by Air Philippines, WG&A Superferry, Centrum and Pagcor.

Alejandro Lonzaga heaved a 36.04 in the boys’ discus throw to erase Palson Madsali’s mark of 34.79 he recorded in last year’s edition in Naga City. Jeffrey Anosa provided the other sterling win by smashing the 12.38 mark last year of Jerome Tamles in the triple jump with a distance of 12.47.

Badminton, a sports discipline enjoying tremendous popularity at present, was the source of golds for Central Luzon, which won three in the event thanks to its mixed doubles and the boys’ singles and doubles.

Other triumphs posted by Central Luzon came in archery through Paul Martin dela Cruz in the Olympic round individual event and its Olympic round team.

Bicol also made its presence felt in archery sweeping the two gold medals in the girls’ side. Ruby Febres dominated the individual Olympic round win while its squad topped the Olympic round team side.