RP ends SEA Games fencing campaign 2nd to Thailand

The Philippine fencing men's and women's team wrapped up their campaign at the 24th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on Tuesday with a second place finish in that sport to host Thailand. After the four days of fencing, the Thais chalked up a gold-silver-medal count of 5-1-3 for a total of 9. The Filipinos got a medal count of 3-6-6 for a total of 15. And third placer Vietnam made 3-1-3 or a total of 7. The Filipinos got one of their three gold medals and two of their six silver medals on Tuesday. The gold was for capturing the men's team epee event, where Wilfredo Vizcayno Jr., Almario Vizcayno, Armando Bernal, and Avelino Victorino combined to defeat the Vietnamese, 41-33, according to report from the Philippine delegation. One silver was for capturing the men's team sabre event, fought by a team composed of Edward Daliva, Walbert Mendoza, Gian Carlo Nocom, and Edmon Velez. Mendoza nearly single-handedly overhauled a 32-40 deficit in the tournament, but it just wasn't enough. The Philippines lost that event to back-to-back defending champion Thailand, 43-45. The last silver was for the women's team foil, fought by a team composed of Mia Allyson Howell, Michelle Mancenido, Veena Tessa Nuestro, and Ma. Dinah Remolacio. They absorbed a 25-37 beating from Singapore, reinforced by towering naturalized Singaporean Wang Wei Yi from mainland China. Two years ago, the RP fencing squad finished with a 5-2-6 output. The fencing matches were held at the Surapat 3 Building in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. - GMANews.TV