MANILA – Negrense woodpusher Sander Severino captured two gold medals as Team Philippines closed out its 12th ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia with 34 golds.
The Silay City, Negros Occidental-native Severino captured his first gold in the tournament after beating Indonesian Maksum Firdaus in the finals of men’s individual event.
Severino, who plays for Davao Eagles team in Professional Chess Association of the Philippines, then took home his second gold when he teamed up with Felix Aguilera and Henry Lopez in the men’s team event.
Earlier in the competition, the Negrense chess player clinched two silver medals in the men’s individual rapid chess PI and in the team rapid chess event with Lopez and Jasper Rom.
The two golds and two silver medals showing of Severino was far cry from his four-gold medal haul during last year’s ASEAN Para Games in Indonesia but the Negrense remains content.
The Philippine para chess team had a total of 13 golds, including six gold medals from Darry Bernardo and five gold medals from Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza, improving its 10-gold harvest last year.
“Para sa bayan at pamilya po ng team ito,” said national para chess team coach James Infiesto. “I am proud of each and every one of our chess athletes here in ASEAN Para Games.”
With its 34-gold, 33-silver and 50-bronze output, Team Philippines ended fifth overall in the competition behind three-peat overall champion Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.
“I am honored and overjoyed to congratulate our athletes for their remarkable performances and astounding achievements in the 12th ASEAN Para Games,” Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Walter Francis Torres.
“These achievements have not only brought glory once again to the Philippines but also serve as inspirations and motivations to future generations of para-athletes,” he added. “You make us proud!”/PN
