Fencers target podium finish

JAKARTA – Sans any international exposure and with only a two-week training in China to talk about, the Filipino fencers get into action in the 26th SEA Games, vying for a podium finish in men’s individual epee and women’s individual saber today at the University of Indonesia Gym in Balairung, Jakarta.

Epee bets Almario Vizcayno and Avelino Victorino and saber specialists Joana Franqueli and Jylyn Nicanor set in motion at 9 a.m. (8 a.m. in Manila) the Phl fencing team’s bid to surpass its three-gold harvest in Nakhon Ratchasima in 2007.

Coach Wilfredo Vizcayno Jr., a former bemedalled player, sees a wide-open battle in the two events kicking off hostilities in SEAG fencing spread over six days.

“The Thais are strong in men’s saber and in men’s foil. But it seems everyone has equal chances in epee,” said Vizcayno.     – Nelson Beltran

The soft-spoken fencing coach pointed to Walbert Mendoza in individual saber, Emerson Segui in individual foil and their women’s foil team of Dinah Remolacio, Veena Tessa Nuestro, Mia Allyson Howell and Jamie Nicanor as their best bets for the gold.

“The field is strong but, of course, we’ll try our best to match, if not improve, our showing the last time,” said Vizcayno.

The Phl fencers finished second overall to then host team Thailand in 2007 with a 3-6-6 gold-silver-bronze haul. The Thais didn’t disappoint at home turf, capturing five of the 12 golds at stake in the sport.

Segui is still considered the man to beat in individual foil while Mendoza is still expected to have his fierce match with his longtime Thai archrival. Mendoza was victorious in Manila in 2005 but settled for silver in Nakhon Ratchasima in 2007.

Segui and Mendoza were the only two Filipino fencers who saw action in the Asian championships in Korea last April.

The rest of the Phl fencers had their SEAG buildup, training under Chinese coaches in Tianjin from Oct. 18 to Nov. 2.

The Philippines has a 23-strong contingent that includes Ramil Endriano, Gian Carlo Nocom, Joshua Jerahmeel Paunil, Mark Denver Atienza, Rolando Canlas Jr., Eric Brando II, Edmond Velez, Armando Bernal, Harlene Orendain, Lenita Otadoy-Reyes, Cristine Almas and Maria del Carmen Galvez.

“We’re still targeting to match our three golds we won four years ago in Thailand, although it will be more difficult considering the preparations of the other teams,” said Vizcayno.

In the 2007 meet, the Philippines won golds through Segui, then rookie Michele Bruzola in the women’s individual epee, and the men’s epee team.