Tracksters show SEAG readiness

MANILA, Philippines — Anfernee Lopena delivered the worthiest performance at the start of the two-day Philippine Athletics Championships by booking a Southeast Asian Games standard time in the men’s 100 meters at the PhilSports track oval.

Lopena captured the century dash gold in 10.41 seconds, which was faster than the 10.49 that propelled Thai Ruttanapon Sowan to a silver finish in the 2019 SEA Games at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

The gold standard in the event is 10.35 by 2019 winner Muhammad Haiqal Hanafi of Malaysia.

Lopena bested fellow SEA Games gold medalist Clinton Bautista, who settled for the silver in 10.56, and John Dave Puno, who snared the bronze in 11.00.

The day also saw national mainstays producing nine personal bests, including Bautista, the 110m hurdles SEA Games champion, and reigning SEAG heptathlon queen Sarah Dequinan in the 100m in 12.46.

Other national stalwarts who came through with career bests were Alfrence Braza in the 5,000m (15:31.95), Bernalyn Bejoy in the 800m (2:12.66), Jessel Lumapas in the 200m (24.92), Eloiza Medina in the 100m (11.96) and Jelly Paragile in the 100m (12.17).

“It was a beautiful day for PATAFA and the athletic community,” said national coach Jeoffrey Chua.