Mendoza makes cut in Asian Trampoline

MANILA, Philippines — Benjamin Jesus Mendoza pulled off a big surprise last Saturday, placing fifth overall in the qualifying round to reach the finals of the men’s seniors division of the fourth Asian Trampoline Gymnastics Championships at the University of Makati basketball gym.

Although executing a routine with a lower degree of difficulty, Mendoza kept his miscues to a minimum to garner 81.390 points and secure the No. 5 spot among the eight finalists in the tournament organized by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Kazakhstan’s Pirnammad Aliyev topscored with 101.695 points, North Korea’s Kim Yun Song was second (95.395) while Iran’s Amirreza Mesgari Hagh was third (93.010) in the finals scheduled yesterday.

The other Pinoy men’s senior campaigner, Francisco Deorelar, failed to make the cut, placing 10th with 62.430 points.

In a minor breakthrough of sorts in the women’s senior division, Erin Abaniel took the bronze medal in the field of three entries with 11.70 points, with India’s Shivani Dound (35.635) and Siddhi Breed (28.515) completing a 1-2 finish in the tourney also supported by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board.