Dela Cruz sets Philippine record in PSI Open

MANILA, Philippines — Thanya dela Cruz reset her own national record in the women’s 50-meter breaststroke to highlight a superb sweep of her two events last Friday at the start of the Philippine Swimming, Inc. National Open at the newly renovated Rizal Memorial pool.

Carrying the colors of the Ayala Harpoons Swim Club, Dela Cruz easily ruled her pet event of with a time of 32.49 seconds, besting her previous national mark of 32.89 seconds in the Philippine Swimming Selection last Oct. 22 at the New Clark City Aquatic Center in Capas, Tarlac.

Shairrine Floriano of the Antipolo Gems Sea Scorpions placed a distant second (35.49) while AHSC’s Sofia Annika Margare Isip placed third (36.44) in the meet supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and TYR swimming gear.

In a result that took her by surprise, the 19-year-old pride of Marikina City blasted out of the blocks and surged in the last five meters to rule the women’s 50-meter freestyle in 27.95 seconds, nipping Best Parañaque’s Amina Isabelle Mondonedo (28.72). Tarlac Marko Sharks SC’s Trixie Ortiguera was third (29.30).

“While I was expecting to win the 50-meter breaststroke, the win in the 50-meter freestyle was a pleasant surprise because it was just an added event for me,” said Dela Cruz, who graduated from San Lorenzo High School, after her twin wins.