By REYNALD MAGALLON
BANGKOK — Flint Jara powered through a bloody cut to beat Indonesian bet Flanuari Yerikho Daud just as Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio bowed out in a controversial defeat in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at the Chulalongkorn University Sports Center on Saturday, Dec. 13
Jara started out slow and trailed in the opening round but rallied back after engaging his foe to a fierce slugfest to assure the Philippine boxing team another bronze medal with a close 3-2 victory.
A headbutt during an exchange in the second round left Jara with an open wound above his left eyebrow which had to be checked by the ring physician.
But just when everyone inside thought Jara would already back down, he charged forward and landed vicious counters that rocked his opponent.
“Sanay po akong matalo sa round 1 po. That’s why tatlo po yung rounds sa boxing. Sanay na po ako sa ganoong adjustment,” said Jara.
At the short end of another close fight, however, was Petecio who absorbed a tough 3-2 loss to Indonesia Hasanah Huswatun.
Though obviously disappointed, the Olympic veteran took the loss on the chin and respected the decision of the judges.
“Ewan ko,” she said before laughing.
“Kita naman, kita naman. But lagi kong nirerespeto yung decision ng mga judges,” she added.
Meanwhile, it’s been a slow day for the Philippine team after the country bagged six gold medals on Friday.
Maxine Bautista claimed a silver medal in figure skating just as Merika Lilyn Chan and Kenneth Riley Bunea struck two silvers in taekwondo.
The Filipinos, however, still have plenty of chances to add another gold just before the day ends after John Viron Ferrer advanced to the gold medal match in men’s 81-kilograms and Chino Sy-Tancontian in the men’s 100kg class, both in Judo.
Both matches are being held at presstime.
As it stands, Team Philippines is still at No.5 with 11 golds, 16 silvers and 37 bronzes. It trails behind host Thailand (66-44-28), Vietnam (24-18-43), Indonesia (20-29-24) and Singapore (15-16-19) as of press time.
