By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
While focus is on the country’s rising star Karl Eldrew Yulo to carry the fight for Team Philippines, the women’s team should not be discounted in the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships.
For one, they are aiming to make a big noise.
Leading that mission is Elisabeth Antone as the PH bets try to make an impression in the 74-nation tournament as the qualification in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) begins Friday, Nov. 21, at the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.
It would determine the finalists in the individual all-around, as well as in other apparatus.
The all-around finals will be on Saturday, Nov. 22, while apparatus finals are set on Sunday, Nov. 23, and Monday, Nov. 24.
Like Yulo, who won the vault silver in the 2025 Junior Asian Championships held last June in Jecheon, South Korea, Antone is leaning on a morale-boosting performance in the same Asian tournament.
She turned heads by capturing the individual all-around bronze medal behind Japanese standouts, and qualifying for three apparatus finals.
Her teammate Maxine Bondoc also seeks an impressive run, having been able to qualify in the uneven bars finals at the said Asian juniors event.
Also competing for Team Philippines are Sabina Tayag and Jellian Bantilan.
Meanwhile, Yulo and the rest of the male participants are competing at press time in the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) qualifications at press time. Joining Yulo in the PH men’s crew are Hilario Palles III, Anthony Palles and CJ Pernia.
