Swimmers Ernie Gawilan, Gary Bejino bag PH’s first medals in Asian Para Games

MANILA, Philippines – Para swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino delivered the Philippines’ first two medals in the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, as they snagged a pair of bronzes on Monday, October 23.

Gawilan got the Philippines on the medal table first, placing third in the men’s 200m individual medley SM7 final – an event he ruled five years ago in Jakarta, Indonesia – at the Hangzhou Olympic Center Aquatic Sports Arena.

Capturing three golds and two silvers in the 2018 edition, Gawilan clocked 2:52.82 to finish behind the Chinese duo of Huang Xianquan (2:43.84) and Yang Huaqiang (2:50.73).

“Even if I was not able to defend the gold in my event, I’m still grateful to give the country our first medal in the Asian Para Games,” said Gawilan in Filipino.

Bejino made it two bronzes for the Philippines as he completed the podium in the men’s 100m freestyle S6 final with a time of 1:12.76, duplicating his finish in the event in Jakarta.

China’s Luo Jinbiao struck gold with an Asian Para Games record of 1:08.18, while his compatriot Jia Hongguang secured a one-two finish for the hosts with 1:08.93 for the silver.

Over in para chess, Filipinos got off to a promising start as the men’s and women’s physically impaired participants all won their opening-round matches in the standard events.

FIDE Master Sander Severino beat Mongolia’s Sundui Sonom, while Henry Roger Lopez and Jasper Rom  defeated Thailand’s Padu Srikpadee and Yoo Khoonme, respectively, at the Hangzhou Qi Yuan Chess Hall.

In the distaff side, Cheyzer Cristal Mendoza outplayed Indonesia’s Yuni, Cheryl Angot toppled Kyrgyzstan’s Dariaa Kuraidanarova, and Jean Lee-Nacita downed China’s Zhang Yue. – Rappler.com