Central Visayas breaks 2 archery records

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – He might have lacked training for this all-important competition.

But Karl Kristian Mari didn’t allow this to hinder this quest for glory.

The high school freshman continued Dumaguete’s domination of archery, breaking two records Tuesday, May 8, in the 2012 Palarong Pambansa at the Capitol Resort Hotel Range here.

“Syempre masaya ako (Of course I’m happy),” Mari told Rappler. “Kinulang ako sa training dito dahil two weeks lang ako naka-practice (I lacked training because I was only able to practice for two weeks).”

The 13-year-old, however, turned the odds in his favor, posting 333 points in the 30m to eclipse the 331 set by Julius Victorio Cootauco last year.

Mari then shattered another record by scoring 324 points in the 40m, far better than the old mark held by fellow Region VII bet Julian Sebastian Teves in 2011.

“Masakit pa rin kamay ko (My hand still hurts),” Mari, who is also a practicing MMA fighter, added.

Wacth Mari shoot arrows below:

Rommil Onarse of Central Luzon placed second in the 30m with 332 points while National Capital Region’s Theodore Vincent Cabral, Jr. was third with 329.

On the other hand, Mari’s Central Visayas teammate Romeo Betache, Jr. made it a 1-2 finish in the 40m with 323 points even as Onarse grabbed his second medal with a bronze after scoring 316.

In the distaff side, NCR’s Bianca Gotuaco tallied 337 points in the 30m to nab the first gold for the Big City in the event.

Janice Cababan of Region X was second with 326 and Andrea Orbeta helped NCR with a bronze (324).

Cababan doubled her output by winning the gold in the 40m, edging Caitlin Miciano in a shootout, 9-8, after tying at 307-all. MIMAROPA’s Jhoanna Magnaye was third with a 304. – Rappler.com