2019 Palarong Pambansa Central Visayas jocks hike gold haul to 15

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Central Visayas athletes sizzled as they hiked their gold medal haul to 15 golds plus 13 silvers and 15 bronzes after the fourth day of action in the Palarong Pambansa at the University of the Philippines-Mindanao Sports Complex in Mintal here.

The gymnastics team of coach Darlene Dela Pisa delivered the goods after snaring three golds and two silvers in the rythmic gymnastics.

 After winning silver in the individual all-around, the young Leanne Marie Manning handed two golds via the rope and ribbon events while Marianne Alegado got a gold in the balls apparatus while Jazeerah Arielle Ona contributed with a silver in the clubs.

 Archer Chrisha Mae Merto collected her fourth gold in archery after winning the single FITA round with 1,310 points while teammate Maria Ferimi Gleam Bajado settled for bronze with 1,291 points total.

The arnis squad saved the best for last with four golds in the combat side through the efforts of Elmer Tapi,Anthony Chris Luna, Denz Aaron Mayol and Marie Ella Alcoseba.

Aside from the golds, ceevees also got three bronzes through Sherwin Banogon, Stephanie Lumapat and Chloe Cuerbo.

Region VII also dominated the dancesport events. CV dancers nabbed nine golds and two silvers.

The tandem of Jay Ronald Auxtero and Kristel Ivy Evangelista led the charge with four golds. Unfortunately, their medals were not officially counted in the Palaro because dancesport is still considered as demo sport.

Even with their strong performance yesterday, the Central Visayas athletes still need to push more as they occupied the seventh place in the standing.

Perennial champion National Capital Region is now on the verge of defending its title with 53 golds, 43 silvers and 28 bronzes. Calabarzon is far second with 36-27-52 gold-silver-bronze medals, while Western Visayas settled for third with 21-31-19.