US-trained archer claims first gold

MANILA, Philippines - Youth Olympics hopeful Bianca Roxas-Chua Gotuaco topped the girls FITA double 18-meter individual archery event as she emerged the first gold medalist in the National Capital Region (NCR) elimination of the 2011 Batang Pinoy yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The 14-year-old US-trained mainstay of the International School-Manila team scored a total 547 points from rounds of 274-273 out of 600 in the 20-ends, 60 arrows competition as she dominated her rivals with a superb performance.

Diane Elises finished second with 458 points (231-227) for silver while Caitlin Miciane took the bronze with 450 points.

“I’m so happy the way I finish my rounds. I’m not expecting too much really, but I’m always trying my best in every competition I play,” said Gotuaco, who bagged the silver medal in last summer’s US Games which makes her eligible as candidate for the 2014 Youth Olympics.

The Palarong Pambansa campaigner made it to the US Games after finishing runner-up in the California State FITA tournament.

Gotuaco’s coach, former national mainstay Fermin Barranechea, commended the support of the parents in what he described as “huge improvement” of her ward since joining competitive tournaments two years ago.

“She has improved a lot and her parents’ support really makes Bianca a better archer and as a person in general. With her dedication and character in training I would say she can dominate the field in the future,” said Barranechea.

Gotuaco shoots for a sweep against Elises and the rest of the participants in the Olympic round individual finals and team events today.

Action also heats up at the University of Makati arena as well as in satellite venues around the city and Ultra in Pasig with the holding of the qualifying rounds in athletics’ throwing events, badminton (The Zone), basketball (Poblacion gym), chess (UMAK mini theater), judo, tennis (Metropolitan Sports Club), swimming (Makati Aquatics Arena), wrestling (Loiseum ng Bayan), boxing (Olympia covered court) and taekwondo.

Festivities, actually, started late Monday in elaborate opening ceremonies graced by Vice President and former Makati City Mayor Jojo Binay, who served as special guest and speaker. He was joined by officials of the Philippine Sports Commission headed by commissioners Chito Loyzaga and Jolly Gomez as well as representatives of the various NSAs (National Sports Associations).

Binay lauded the PSC’s effort to strengthen the country’s grassroots sports development program and promised to rally behind the Filipino athletes’ quest for international recognition and sports excellence.

Only the gold and silver medalists in all qualifying stages will advance to the national finals slated Dec. 10-13 in Naga City.

The final elims stage of the tournament organized by the PSC with the support of Smart Sports, Summit Mineral Water, Milo, Maynilad, Jollibee, Negros Navigation, Aboitiz, Standard Insurance Inc., and British Council will be held in Laguna on Dec. 4-7.