Fencers brace for title defense

The national fencing squad is raring to brandish the form and skills it gained from its month-long training in China, confident it could duplicate its feat in Vietnam two years ago where it won the overall title in the sport.

"The training in China has helped the team improve some of the aspects of their game like speed. The players had to adapt to the intense play of the Chinese," said head coach Benny Garcia.

The RP fencers are hoping to match or better their four-gold, four-silver, one-bronze medal output that won them the overall title in the Vietnam SEAG. The Beijing stint should augur well for the squad’s campaign beginning Nov. 28 at the San Juan Elementary School gym.

The team managers’ meeting is set Nov. 26.

"The players learned new techniques and strategies that enhanced their play ," Garcia said. "The training also developed the players’ skills as their Chinese counterparts are faster."

Vietnam gold medalist Wally Mendoza banners the RP team, which includes Amat Canlas and Ramil Endriano, whose performances in the Vietnam SEAG also helped power the RP team’s campaign two years ago.

They will be joined by SEA Games veterans Veena Nuestro and Harlene Orendain, and newcomer Catherine Kong. Orendain and Kong are mainstays of the University of Santo Tomas’ UAAP fencing squad.

Expected to foil the Filipinos’ bid are Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.

Out of the 12 gold medals staked in the event, Garcia said he expects to surpass the team’s output in Vietnam by winning at least five or more gold medals.

"It’s hard to make a forecast because the other teams are preparing hard too," he said. "They may catch us off-guard but I trust my players. They are in very good condition and their morale is very high."— Miko Morelos/Contributor