SWIMMERS of Team Cebu City went to work early and bagged three gold medals in the first day of the Philippine National Games (PNG) in San Carlos City, Pangasinan yesterday.
After the first day, the Niños’ tankers hauled in three gold medals, three silvers and two bronze medals.
Michael Ichiro Kong was again responsible for a gold as he topped the 200m butterfly event for the team’s lone individual gold medal.
The men’s quartet of Kong, Rafael John Dacaldacal, Fritz Tamara and Nil Enrico Micarsos added another gold in the 4x50m medley relay.
The group of Romylin Nina Ignacio, Shane Allyne Pareja, Beth May Arellano and Trina Caneda also earned a gold in the ladies’ 4x50m medley relay.
In badminton, Cebuanas Android Tingson and Michelle Fernandez booked semifinal berths in the Junior Girls’ Singles yesterday at the Narciso Gym in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Southwestern University’s Tingson and University of San Carlos’ Fernandez will both face rival competitors from Pangasinan today.
But fellow Cebuanos Kevin Bergantin and Aljo Pinote bowed to their respective opponents in the Elite Category.
Bergantin fought hard but couldn’t beat national team member Ros Leenard Pedrosa, 17-21, 18-21, in the quarterfinals. Pinote also fell to Pedrosa’s national team buddy Mark Alcala in the same round.
Games in doubles in both the Juniors and Elite Category will be held today.