Rañola: A bronze that glitters gold

MANILA, Philippines - Cue artist Iris Rañola, who lost her father to cancer just before her opening match in the Myanmar SEA Games, flew home with a bronze medal around her neck.

Even before she left for Myanmar, Rañola said she wanted to win her event, the 10-ball singles, so she could use the money for her father’s treatment.

A gold medal would have been worth P100,000 in cash incentive from the Philippine Sports Commission. A bronze is worth P10,000.

But it doesn’t really matter now.

Sad news of her father’s death reached Rañola a day after she arrived in Myanmar. She stayed on and competed, her teammates all rallying behind her.

Reports from Nay pyi taw yesterday afternoon said Rañola was already at the airport to take the flight to Mania. She was expected to go straight to Zamboanga for her father’s wake.

It’s a sad homecoming.

On the eve of her opening match, billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes spent time with Rañola on the practice table, giving her all the tips she might need later on.

However, the pressure was too much for Rañola.

At the height of her quarterfinal match against Myanmar’s Thandar Maung, it looked like Rañola was ready to collapse. Reports said she vomited during a break.

But the chubby Filipina, winner of the 8-ball gold medal in the 2011 SEA Games, pulled it off and scored a 7-2 victory to march into the semifinals.

It was where she lost her battle for the gold – against Indonesia’s Angeline Magdalena, 7-2, and settled for the bronze.

As some measure of revenge, Filipina Rubilen Amit beat Magdalena in the finals Friday evening to win the title.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia took his hat off to Rañola for her strength and courage.

“I admire athletes who are fully committed. I’m hoping her the best,” said Garcia.

At the end of the billiards competition, Rañola posed for pictures with the rest of her teammates, including men’s 10-ball champion Dennis Orcollo.

Rañola smiled as she held on to the bronze medal with her right hand, and the stuffed SEA Games mascot with the other.

Up in the podium, Rañola was flanked by Amit and Reyes, who supported her until the end.

It was all she needed at the moment.