MANILA – Eric Cray extended his reign as the Southeast Asian Games 400-meter hurdles king with another blazing show last night at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The 33-year-old Cray notched his fifth straight SEA Games gold medal in the event. He submitted a time of 50.41 seconds. Overall, this was his seventh SEA Games gold.
“Man, it’s a blessing (winning his seventh SEAG gold). I thank God for this. I feel that I still got one more left in me,” said Cray, who is set to compete in the men’s 100 meter dash tonight.
Rubilen Amit, meanwhile, remained the queen of SEA Games women’s 9-ball pool singles after defeating Singapore’s Jessica Tan in the finals, 7-2, at the Ha Dong Gymnasium.
The 40-year-old Amit established an early 3-0 lead against Tan. But the Singaporean rallied to within 2-3 before the Filipina notched four consecutive sets to complete the title repeat.
“Alam ko naman na laban talaga ito. Hindi naman ibibigay sa akin. Hindi naman siya nag-give up. Laban talaga. Expected ko naman ‘yung dikitan pero mabuti na lang hindi umabot doon,” said Amit.
Erika Bomogao and Rhichein Yosorez also added to Team Philippines’ gold haul. They ruled the muay thai women’s waikru mai muay by defeating their finals foe.
Chloe Isleta, meanwhile, captured Team Philippines’ first SEA Games swimming gold medal in 29 years as she ruled the women’s 200m backstroke event on Monday night.
Bowler Alexis Sy-Chua clinched a silver medal in the women’s singles event, while Philippines notched two team silver medals in the men’s sabre team and women’s epee team events.
In other athletics results, Guimarasnon Joida Gagnao (3000m Steeplechase), William Morrison (men’s discus throw), Alyana Nicolas (pole vault) and Jelly Paragile (pole vault) captured bronze medals each./PN
