MANILA, Philippines – Asian gymnastics giants China and Japan dominated the podium in the juniors division of the 4th Asian Trampoline Gymnastics Championships to sweep the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) slots at stake.

Benjamin Jesus Mendoza was the only Filipino who advanced to the finals after finishing 5th in the eliminations. The national team member eventually fell to last place in the final tally on Sunday, May 20, in the event hosted by the Philippines at the University of Makati Gym. 

Japan’s Takumi Fujimoto topped the boys competition with a score of 55.755, edging out  teammate Hayato Miyano (55.660). China’s Wei Wu – who finished first seed in the qualifying round – settled for 3rd place with a score of 53.545. 

In the girls division, Xinyi Fan of China climbed from the bottom of the ranks to snatch the gold medal with a score of 54.740. Seventh-seeded Junyi Yan bagged the silver with a score of 52.805. while Japan’s Serina Masuzaki landed 3rd with a 51.800 mark. 

Three YOG slots were at stake in the each of the boys and girls divisions. 

Pirmammad Aliyev of Kazakhstan led the overall standings with a score of 56.635 to bag the gold. Yun Song Kim from North Korea maintained his second place standing from the qualifying round with a score of 53.045. Kazakhstan’s Daniyar Tusupov nabbed the bronze with a 49.160-point finish. 

Erin Abaniel got an outright bronze – the lone medal of the Philippines – among 3 competitors in the women’s seniors tournament on Saturday, May 19. – Rappler.com