No less than six SEAG golds - GTK

MANILA, Philippines - Athletics chief Go Teng Kok yesterday vowed to deliver six gold medals as the Philippines tries to atone for its dismal finish the last time out with a creditable showing in the Southeast Asian Games in Laos next month.

“No less than six golds,” said Go during the PSA Forum where he stressed the Philippines is ranked No. 1 in Southeast Asia in nine events in the latest rankings released by the Asian Athletics Association.

“A lot of people are underestimating our team,” said Go. “But we have nine events that we are No. 1 and another 11 athletes ranked No. 2. “

Go cited the recent performances of long jump specialist Maristella Torres and 3,000m steeplechase bet Rene Herrera and marathoner Eduardo Buenavista for making his prediction.

Torres leapt to an impressive 6.45m in the Vietnam Open recently, while Herrera clocked nine minutes and two seconds in his event, 15 seconds ahead of his closest pursuer.

Torres and Herrera accounted for two of the country’s five-gold haul in the previous SEA Games in Thailand, where the Philippines placed a dismal sixth.

“They are all sure golds there,” said Go.

The PATAFA chief also took exception at the non-inclusion of Buenavista in the 153-man athletic roster of the Philippine Sports Commission. Go said Buenavista has been improving his time, clocking 2:18 in the Hong Kong Marathon.

Buenavista failed to make the PSC grade because he settled for a bronze in the previous SEA Games. The PSC follows a gold-silver standard in drawing up its own SEAG lineup.      – Joey Villar