Hidilyn Diaz seeks to improve mark in Anaheim meet

MANILA, Philippines — Rio Olympic weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz sets out for the International Weightlifting Federation World Championship, upbeat of her chances against an elite field in the event which got under way Tuesday at the Anaheim Convention Center in California, USA.

Diaz, who took a silver in the fifth Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan last September, is out to improve her personal best – 98kg in the snatch and 118kg in the clean and jerk – in the 53kg class in the event ending on Dec. 6.

“It depends on the condition but I hope I can reach 100kg and 120kg there,” said the 26-year-old Diaz, who lifted 88kg and 112kg to snare the silver in the Rio Games behind eventual gold medal winner Hsu Shu Ching of Chinese Taipei (100kg, 112kg.)

The event also serves as part of Diaz’s buildup for the Asian Games set in Palembang, Indonesia next year as well as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

While the Anaheim tilt will not earn anyone Olympic qualifying points, it will still give participants the chance to test their rivals’ mettle.

“It will not be a qualifying event for Tokyo but we need to participate there so that we will not be removed from the list and we also get to scout the opposition,” said Diaz.

Another Phl bet Kristel Macrohon, a bronze medal winner in Ashgabat, will compete in the 69kg division.