Berino, Lorbes share honors in PSL Nat'l Swim Challenge

MANILA, Philippines - Palarong Pambansa multiple gold medalist Gian Berino and upcoming Emmanuel Joshua Lorbes shared top honors recently in the Philippine Swimming League National Student Swim Challenge which served as the final tryout for candidates to the 2013 University Games (Universiade) slated in Kazan, Russia.

Berino, who just arrived from his training in Los Angeles, won in the 100m backstroke (1:01), 200m backstroke (2:17), 200m freestyle (2:00) and 400m freestyle (4:07).

Lorbes ruled four events in his age group – the 50m butterfly (29 sec), 100m butterfly (1:06), 200m butterfly (2:26) and 200m freestyle (2:14).

Claire Adorna, Denjylie Cordero and Priscila Aquino, all from University of the Philippines, ended in a triple tie for top honors in the female division.

The Diliman Preparatory School of former Sen. Nikki Coseteng was the overall champion in the high school division while the UP Diliman varsity team took the college division.

Berino and Cordero, both products of the national games, lead the PSL national pool, from which the PSL will determine the composition of the national team for the Universiade slated in July next year.

PSL president Susan Papa said the swimmers must maintain the minimum norms in training to get a slot in the national team.

First qualifiers for the national pool:

Men: Berino, Jao Daniel Elamparo, Jerome Magallanes, Ren Herejias, Gerwin Domingo, Michael Romiro Godoy, Jeron Mercader, Christen Mercado, MJ Alindogan, Karlo Miguel Salonga, Zeus Magbanlac, Sean Mico Garchitorena, Mackie Bretana, Efren Lapira Jr. and Andrei Lorenzo Manzo and Raymond Sevilla.

Women: Cordero, Claire Adorna, Jackie Junio, Erica Lukang, Christine Hipol, Joy Rodgers, April Bartolome, Antoinette Aquino, Arianne Velasquez, Tiara Tudio (UP); Mary Roxanne Maestro, Fatima Nempha Maestro, From Joey Andaya – Maria Danielle Infantado, Denise Tiquia. (De La Salle College Dasmariñas ; Jackylyn Orig, From Laguna School – Ana Nicole Tan and Kimberly Briones (Quezon Killer Whales).