Puerto Princesa, Mindanao shine in EAGA meet

MANILA, Philippines - Puerto Princesa City and Mindanao dominated athletics yesterday even as Sabah, Malaysia pulled away in the overall race in the seventh Bimp-Eaga Friendship Games in Gen. Santos City.

Thrower Malou Gepolani topped women’s javelin while fellow Puerto Princesa bet Jila Dela Rosa ruled the 1500-meter run.

Gepolani, 17, hurled the spear to 30.77 meters and defeated Mindanao’s Aiza Coma (29.05) and Mary Jane Lawas (27.80).

Dela Rosa clocked 5:03.71 in the 1500m to beat Raznie Faradillah of Sarawak, Malaysia (5:14.73) and Sabah’s Gabi Salesnella (5:14.93).

Mindanao leaned on the exploits of May Meder Langi, who won the women’s 400m in 1:00.17. Sabah’s Yusof Fatin Faqihah took the silver in 1:00.35 and Malimar Nursyafiqah Iday ended up with the bronze (1:00.76).

The Philippines also snatched a victory in pencak silat, which was dominated by Brunei and Indonesia. The trio of Abdul Gani Ishmael, Al Shamier Ibnohasim and Nohman Ladjamatu of Mindanao ruled the finals of the regu male competition.

Sabah, meanwhile, paced the overall race with 25 gold medals, 20 silvers and 17 bronzes in the event backed by Mindanao Development Authority chair Luwalhati Antonino and backed by Dunlop/Slazenger, SM City Gen. Santos, Marathon sepak takraw equipment and Donic.