Bautista, Santos bag two golds each

BAGUIO, Philippines — National mainstay Clinton Bautista and hometown bet Katherine Khay Santos ran away with two gold medals apiece in Day One of the Ayala Philippine Athletics Championships at the Athletic Bowl here yesterday.

Bautista, the Tarlac pride, and Baguio’s own Santos juggled two duties and stamped their classes on both, highlighted by their triumphs in the centerpiece 100m dash.

A known hurdler, Bautista ruled the men’s century dash in 10.86 seconds before long jumper Santos extended her brilliance on the track, clocking 12.61 seconds to top the distaff side.

Bautista, the 2019 SEA Games 110m hurdles winner, won the event here as expected in 14.42 seconds while Santos grabbed her other gold in long jump in 6.06 meters, stunning four-time SEAG champion and national record holder Marestella Torres-Sunang.

Santos made her winning jump right on first attempt before moving to the track with hardly a breather.

“It’s a surreal feeling to compete in a place where it all started, back when it was still soil. It’s my hometown so it’s all worth it with the support of my family and friends,” said the University of Baguio stalwart, a long jump bronze medal winner in the 2011 SEAG.

Other first-day gold medal winners were Melissa Escoton (women’s 100m hurdles),  Janry Ubas (men’s long jump), Edwin Giron (men’s 800m), Bernalyn Bejoy (women’s 800m), John Albert Mantua (men’s discus throw), Daniella Daynata (women’s discus throw), Frederick Ramirez (men’s 400m) and Junel Gobotia (men’s 3000m steeplechase).