Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan saw his personal-best time in the men’s 400m T52 event go to waste after getting disqualified in the finals of the Tokyo Paralympics on Friday, August 27.

The 41-year-old originally finished fifth in the championship race after clocking 1:00.80, but officials disqualified him for violation of rule 18.5a or lane infringement.

Rule 18.5a states that athletes or guide-runners must stay in their allocated lane from start to finish.

“He crossed an inner lane of his rivals and this caused Jerrold’s disqualification,” said national para athletic coach Joel Deriada, who stayed in Manila after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Isaiah Rigo of the United States also got disqualified for lane infringement.

Hometown bet Tomoki Sato of Japan, meanwhile, edged 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games champion Raymond Martin of the United States for the gold after recording a Paralympic mark of 55.39.

Martin, who settled for silver with a time of 55.59, still led approaching the final 75 meters but Sato – the world record holder – powered through when it mattered most to rule the event.

Hirokazu Ueyonabaru of Japan netted bronze with a time of 59.95.

Mangliwan still has two more chances to win a medal as he competes in the men’s 1500m T52 and 100m T52 events. – Rappler.com