So, Chiongbian make podium finish in Singapore triathlon

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu’s bets Eduard ‘Raffy’ So and Frederic Albert Yuan Chiongbian made a 2-3 finish in this year’s edition of Singapore International triathlon yesterday.

So was two seconds behind from winning the gold medal with Aaron Shane Tan coming up with 34 minutes and 26 seconds in the boys’14 to 15 class.

Chiongbian followed at third place with a 34:31 clocking. He actually got out of the water first, but struggled in the bike phase that gave So a chance to overtake.

On the other hand, Cebuana triathletes fared well in their division with Shaia Ruth Uy, Aaliyah Ricci Mataragnon and Mercy Issa Priagula occupying the fourth to sixth spots out of 26 finishers.

Uy reached the finished line in 38:18 behind Zoe Natasha Bowden with 35:05.Mataragnon, for her part, crossed the finish line in 38:39 while Priagula trailed with 38:51 clocking.

Mataragnon got the biggest praises for her determination to pursue her bid in Singapore even if she is still nursing an arm injury she sustained a week ago following a bike collision with her coach Philip Duenas at the South Road Properties.

Shaia Ruth’s younger sister, Syrah Ruth won the kids’ 10-11 action with 22:44 clocking.

Meanwhile, Justin Chiongbian will have his chance to compete in the ITU Asian Cup junior sprint also in Singapore today. This is the first time that Justin will compete after his mission on getting a slot to the Youth Olympic Games in China.  (FREEMAN)