CAPAS, TARLAC—Sprinter Kristina Knott ruled the women’s 200m and Janry Ubas topped the men’s long jump during the track and field test events of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Knott clinched the gold medal in 24.42 seconds to beat another Filipino-American female sprinter in Kayla Richardson, who clocked 26.18 for the silver. Mahisin Maziah of Brunei wound up third in 27.02 seconds.
“Kristina is still undergoing treatment for some issues. She still has to peak, but she should be ready in four weeks for the 200 meters and the relays,’’ said Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association president Philip Juico.
Despite being by personal troubles back home, Ubas delivered the gold medal with a winning leap of 7.52 meters, far from his personal best of 7.88 m but good enough to put a smile on the faces of the crowd at the track and field oval of the New Clark City here.
“Janry had a lot of problems to tackle back home in Cagayan de Oro and couldn’t focus on training as much as he and the coaching staff wanted. Still he did well,’’ said Juico.
Aries Toledo, a decathlete like Ubas, placed second with 7.49 m followed by bronze medalist Algin Gomez (6.83m).
“Janry has two events: long jump and the big one (decathlon). His long jump performance will certainly earn quite a bit of points to put him within striking distance of the podium in decathlon,’’ said Juico.
Hocket Delos Santos likewise showed promise after finishing with a bronze behind a pair of veteran Thai pole vaulters.
Patsapong Amsamang, the 2017 SEAG silver medalist, cleared 5.50 meters for the gold while Porranot Purahong cleared 5.20m to clinch silver.
“Our athletes, and probably those from the other teams, are obviously not yet at their peak. We have, however, continued to discover new talents who emanated from the national championships like the young pole vaulter Delos Santos,’’ said Juico.
Both the Philippine men’s and women’s 4x400m relay squad finished third after hurdler Francis Medina claimed the silver in the 400m hurdles in 51.66 seconds behind Edwin Halomoan of Indonesia (51.35s).
