Athletics chief predicts lucky nine or better

HANOI, Vietnam (Via Globe Telecom) — We’re on target. Athletics chief Go Teng Kok made the bold projection following the four-gold medal finish of his elite team halfway through the athletics competition in the 22nd Southeast Asian Games here yesterday.

Go said he remained confident he could achieve the nine-gold medal projection he set for his wards before coming here.

"I am still confident we can win nine golds, Lahat naman ng nai-predict ko, so far tumama lahat," said Go.

The first four gold medals were won by Eduardo Buenavista in the 5,000 meters, Ernie Candelario in the 400m run, John Lozada in the 1,500m, and Rene Herrera in the 3,000 m steeplechase.

Go said the five other golds are expected in the 800m (Lozada), 5000m (Buenavista), long jump (Lerma Bulauitan), 4x400 (Candelario, Jimar Jaing, Rodrigo Tanuan and Ronnie Marfil) and marathon (Roy Vence or Allan Ballester).

Go said he is also looking for a win by Arnel Ferrera in the hammer throw and Dandy Gallenero in the javelin.

"Our target is actually 11 but a Thai javelin thrower who was suspended for drugs two years ago has returned and might stage a big comeback," he said. "We have a good competitor in the hammer throw through Arnel Ferrera."

Competing in the javelin is Dandy Gallenero.

His athletes, better known as GTK’s Army, have contributed four of the 15 gold medals won by the Philippines on the third day of competitions here and in Ho Chi Minh Tuesday.

Go said he hardly expected Buenavista to win the gold in the 3,000m steeplechase, which he did not compete in after the 2001 SEA Games because of recurring hamstring injury.

"Nahihirapan siya sa water jump, kaya noong bumigay na naman ang hamstring niya at dahil pagod na rin siya, sinabi niya kay Rene (Herrera) na siya na ang manalo."

"I have always believed Rene could win the 3,000m steeplechase. Everybody was surprised because this was the favorite event of Buenavista. Actually, Rene was prepared for this," said Go.

"Alam ko mananalo si Rene at hindi tayo matatalo sa event," he added.

Go said he expects a close fight in the 4x400m relay against the defending champion Thais.

"We have the 1-2 men because Candelario and Jamir Jaing finished 1-2 in the 400m. They also have the third-fourth best, so I expect a good fight," he said.

Go treated his athletes to lunch and spent quite a fortune for guests in four tables in a first-class Chinese restaurant here.

"We’ll have a victory party when we arrive in Manila.

Our athletes deserve it," he added.