Ochoa, Custodio strike gold

MANILA, Philippines — Currently enjoying a glorious sporting era, the Philippines just proved that it’s not yet done producing world champions.

Thanks to Maggie Ochoa and Kimberly Anne Custodio of jiu-jitsu.

Showing incredible grit against the best, Ochoa and Custodio struck gold in the World Jiu-jitsu Championships in the United Arab Emirates.

Ochoa reclaimed her old throne as queen of the women’s adult 48-kg division after smashing Canadian Vicky Hoang Ni Ni to submission with a 2-0 triumph yesterday.

It was her second world title since reigning supreme four years ago in Malmo, Sweden where she also beat Hoang Ni Ni.

Before that, it was Custodio’s time to shine after capturing the -45kg mint by edging Thai Pechrada Kacie Tan, 6-4.

The pair of momentous triumphs sealed a respectable fourth-place finish by a lean but mean six-strong Philippine delegation.

Ochoa and Custodio thus joined an elite group of Filipino world champions that include Tokyo Olympics weightlifting gold winner Hidilyn Diaz, world champion gymnast Caloy Yulo, World Games golden girl Junna Tsukii of karate and World Championship pole-vault bronze medalist EJ Obiena.