LA TRINIDAD -- Baguio reigned supreme in the "Batang Pinoy" wrestling event after taking eight golds at the conclusion of the tournament series held at the Cordillera Career Development College Gym and the Benguet Provincial Capitol basketball court on Thursday.
The host squad got half of its gold haul in the 14-15 categories through Franklin Tallongen in the boys’ under-34 kg. division, Mark Gama in the boys under-61 kg. division, Gwyneth Pooter in the girls’ under-60 kg. division, and Shenkin Diwas in the girls’ under-64 kg. division.
Tallongen, Gama, and Diwas' respective wins actually highlighted separate 1-3 finishes for Baguio with Abraham Bayudang, Dven Cadiogan, and Welgis Foy-Os cropping the bronze medals in their respective divisions, three of a total of 14 bronzes.
Baguio also got two golds in the 10-11 divisions courtesy of Jeremy Malecdan in the boys’ under-42 kg. division and Mharriane Balasuit in the girls’ under-36 kg, division.
Kurt Abgao and Wryqun Gama scored the other two golds for Baguio, winning in the boys’ 12-13 under-32 and under-36 kg. divisions, respectively.
Baguio also got six silvers after the event.
Mandaluyong got the second most number of golds with four.
In the final match of the day right before the awarding ceremonies, Judel Ognayon of Hungduan defeated Keano Ferrer of Laguna to take the gold in the boys’ 14-15 under-42 kg. division.
Ognayon took down Ferrer quickly and eventually forced the pinfall at the midway point of Round 1 to take the top spot following a round-robin playoffs among the medal contenders. Ferrer settled for the bronze after the head-to-head results were considered.
Daniel Bragais of Tabaco captured the silver, while the other bronze went to Jo-Mico Botagan of Baguio. (PNA)
