Martinez feat big boost to Phl figure skating

MANILA, Philippines - SM Skating Rink and the Philippine Skating Union hope to produce more world-class figure skater in the caliber of Olympian Michael Martinez as they stage the National Figure Skating Championships this weekend at the SM Mall of Asia’s Olympic-sized rink in Pasay City.

“We thank Michael Martinez for opening a lot of doors for us by showing us Filipinos there’s an equal chance to compete abroad even though we don’t have snow here in the Phl,” said SM’s Nicole Deato in yesterday’s press conference at SM MOA.

Martinez made history early this year after becoming the first Filipino to compete in the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He also bagged a silver medal in the 2014 Warsaw Cup in Poland over the weekend, scoring 213.38 points in the free skate and short program.

“This tournament is held to show everyone that we can excel even though we have no snow and ice. You just have to be dedicated,” said Pocholo Veguillas, father of figure skating in the country.

Veguillas said the first of the two-day event will serve as a pre-final round wherein all skaters are required to perform interpretative routines or short programs. The final day will be devoted to the free-skating program.

Organizers have tapped judges from the International Skating Union, the exclusive international sports federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee administering figure and speed skating throughout the world.

Unlike in past editions, the winners in this year’s tournament will gain the chance to represent the country in various international competitions next year.