Philippines’ Carlos Edriel Yulo competes within the vault occasion on the males’s group qualification throughout the Inventive Gymnastics World Championships on the Kitakyushu Metropolis Gymnasium in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka prefecture on October 20, 2021. (Photograph by Philip FONG / AFP)
HANOI—Everybody competing within the thirty first Southeast Asian (SEA) Video games gymnastics occasion is aware of what to anticipate out of Carlos Yulo.
Whereas coaching at Quan Ngura Sports activities Palace on Thursday, Yulo had everybody’s consideration—and, on the finish of his observe routines, their applause, too.
“It’s the identical [response I got] as final time [in the Manila SEA Games], I used to be additionally No. 1,” Yulo mentioned. “However I by no means suppose that I’m the very best, as a result of there are numerous gymnasts right here who’re superb.”
What to anticipate from Crew Philippines right here, nonetheless, isn’t as clear. However Friday’s jam-packed schedule ought to present a variety of clues.
Kickboxing has six finalists gunning for gold. Wushu may have 4 golds at stake whereas fencing, petanque and gymnastics will put two golds up for grabs every.
Yulo, a Tokyo Olympian, will take a shot at lighting up the nation’s gold rely, which at the moment stands at one, approach behind the push of victories by host Vietnam. In any case, he has his eyes centered on the street forward.
“Each time it’s the Olympics that I consider,” mentioned the two-time world champion. “Due to the expertise I had in Tokyo. I could not have gained a medal but it surely made me need to grow to be higher. That’s what I discovered for that have.”
The nation will discipline entries in 21 sports activities going down within the first busy day for the biennial video games.
Additionally getting their begins are athletes of three×3 basketball, esports and golf, who’re all gold medal threats.
Sturdy wager
The nation’s 3×3 ballers will face a harder grind as they appear to defend their title, with opposing nations reinforcing their squads with gamers born or raised elsewhere. Golf, in the meantime, will probably be fielding in a comparatively younger squad led by 2019 gold medalist LK Go.
Go will probably be joined by ICTSI-backed Mafy Singson and Rianne Malixi, a robust wager for the person gold.
Sibol, the nation’s esports squad backed by Sensible, additionally hopes to nook a bulk of the medals at stake within the digital enviornment.
Fellow Olympian Ernest John Obiena arrived simply hours earlier than his stint as flag-bearer in Thursday’s opening ceremony at My Dinh Stadium.
“It was a protracted journey (aircraft journey) however okay, total,” mentioned Obiena, who competes on Saturday.
“Let’s encourage our athletes, let’s pray for them. They’ve ready arduous for this, it’s their time to shine,” mentioned basketball legend and commissioner Ramon Fernandez of the Philippine Sports activities Fee, who can be chef de mission for Crew Philippines.
At press time, host Vietnam already has 10 golds with Malaysia copping 9. Indonesia is at third with three golds whereas the Philippines is lodged at fourth place with one gold, 5 silvers and 5 bronzes after Wednesday.
“I’m just about optimistic that our standings will enhance because the video games come alongside,” mentioned Fernandez.
The final time the nation competed within the SEA Video games exterior the Philippines, it positioned sixth, producing 24 golds, 33 silvers and 64 bronzes.
The meet will probably be proven on Cignal, One Sports activities and One Sports activities+, and also will be streamed by way of Sensible GigaPlay.
Get the most popular sports activities information straight into your inbox
Learn Subsequent
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get entry to The Philippine Every day Inquirer & different 70+ titles, share as much as 5 devices, take heed to the information, obtain as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Name 896 6000.
