Paddlers land gold, silver in Worlds

MANILA, Philippines - Team Philippines captured one gold and three silver medals from the 500-meter distances races of the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships in Poznan, Poland.

The Pinoy paddlers stamped their class in the 10-seater juniors event, clocking 2:16.70 to nail their first mint at the expense of Russia (2:19.28) and Canada (2:22.68).

The Russians, however, foiled Phl’s title bid in three other events in the 500-meter distance in the first two days of the International Canoe Federation-organized competition.

Russia edged Phl in a close battle for the 10-seater seniors men’s plum, logging a winning 2:12.24 against the latter’s 2:12.42, even as Ukraine took third place with 2:13.83.

The Russians were again victorious in the 20-seater men’s competition with a golden effort of 1:49.17 versus the Filipinos’ 1:50.03. Ukraine once more settled for third behind Russia and Phl with 1:52.45.

Russia also prevailed in the 10-seater seniors mixed showdown, 2:14.71 versus 2:16.96. Poland got the bronze with 2:18.63.

The Philippine Canoe-Kayak Federation crew will vie for more medals in the 200-meter and 2,000-meter distance races in the last two days of the competition.

Led by team leader Teresita Uy and coached by Diomedes Manalo, team Phl is composed of Angela Chiva Abanilla, John Carlo Asenci, Leo Bumagat, Norwell Cajes, Fernan Dungan, Rosalyn Esguerra, Franc Feliciano, Mark Jhon Frias, Ojay and Dany Fuentes, Edward Galang, Alex and Alvin Generalo, Rea Glore, Oliver Manaig, Maria Escuella Manatad, Kevin Mendoza, Reymart Nevado, John James Pelagio, John Paul Selencio, Jerome Solis, Jairus Molina, Daniel Ortega, Katsumi Tanaka, Hermie Macaranas and Jonathan Ruz.