PHL bags powerlifting, swimming medals in 2014 Asian Para Games

MANILA, Philippines – Team Philippines captured a silver in powerlifting and a bronze in swimming in the initial salvo of action in the 2014 Asian Para Games in Incheon, Korea.

London Paralympics veteran Achele Guion placed second behind a record-smashing Chinese in the  women's 45-kg A competition while Ernie Gawilan took third place honors in the men's 200meter individual medley SM8 event.

Guion lifted 70 kgs to take runner up honors behind Chinese Hu Dandan, who set a new world mark of 99 kgs.

Guion,  who duplicated her silver feat in the 2010 Guangzhou APG, finished ahead of Japanese Hiromi Kobayashi's third-best 62 kg effort.

Gawilan clocked in 2:50.98 for the podium finish behind Chinese winner Song Maodang (2:29.69), and Indian second placer Sharavath Gayakwad (2:38.71).

Gawilan also vied in the men's 100m butterfly S8 but managed only fifth with his 1:23.39 in the event ruled by Song as well (1:01.32).

Gary Bejino wound up fifth in the men's 100m breaststroke SB7 (1:44.96).

Powerlifter Marydol Pamati-an ended fifth in the women's -41kg Group A event with her best lift of 60kgs. Chinese Cui Zhe (98kgs) snagged the gold.