Paddlers cop silver, bronzes

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine women’s dragon boat team bagged one silver and two bronze medals in the China International Dragon Boat Races in Zhouging, China as it stepped up its buildup for the Asian Games in Guangzhou in November.

The women paddlers posted a runner-up finish in the 500m event while churning out a pair of third place efforts in the 1000m and the 250m race courses, getting back at the Chinese teams that dominated them in the Macau meet earlier.

The RP bets wound up fourth in the Macau International Dragon Boat Race topped by China’s Zhouging Hotel Rio Team. Nanhai Jiujiang and Nanhai Xiqian took the next two places.

Zhouging also topped the second event, beating Nanhai Jiujiang while the RP team came in third in the 1000m event before duplicating its feat in the 250m competition.

Meanwhile, the RP ladies, toughened up by their participation in the two events, has resumed their training for the Asiad, hopeful of their chances to break the Chinese record time and deliver the gold for the country.

Founded in 1997, the Philippine dragon boat women’s team is composed of athletes coming from diverse sporting backgrounds. The team is backed by Philex Mining Corp., and Spyder Eyewears and Sports Gear.