Diaz cousin bags lift gold

IBA, Zambales , Philippines  – Mary Flor Diaz, aiming to follow in the footsteps of cousin and Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, racked up three gold medals in weightlifting while Clarence Gaylan and Rhea Mie Borres of Western Visayas took the sprint honors halfway through the PRISAA National Games here yesterday.

Mark Malapitan of Region IV-B also grabbed the spotlight in taekwondo, beating Kelvin Rimando of Southern Mindanao, 16-4, in the winner-take-all at Barangay Bangantalingan covered court.

Diaz, playing for Western Mindanao, swept three gold medals, lifting 55 kilos in snatch and 75 kilos in clean and jerk for a total of 130 kg. in the 47kg division.

Diaz tried to lift 63 kilos in snatch but failed on two tries and also made an attempt (80 kilos) in clean and jerk.

Carlo Soriano ruled the 49kg. class with an 80-kilo lift in snatch, 90 kilos in clean and jerk for a total of 170 kilos; while Roel Garcia topped the 56kg. at 105 kilos in snatch, 125 kilos in clean and jerk for a total of 230 kilos.