Olympics: Palace dismayed by Hidilyn Diaz's exit, wishes boxer Mark Barriga luck

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte expressed Malacañang's dismay at the elimination of Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, but hopes Filipino boxer Mark Barriga will be able to do better and move on to subsequent rounds. "Parang there's a...groan from the country noon natanggal po iyung weightlifter natin," Valte said. "We wish him [Barriga] luck mamaya pong hapon sa kanyang pagsabak," she added. Valte also repeated the Palace's position regarding the small size of the country's Olympic contingent, saying, "Ang sinasabi po ng Pangulo is, given na limited po iyung resources natin, kailangan po nating i-identify iyung mga paligsahan kung saan po tayo malakas. "By doing that, we will get to allocate the limited resources to support our athletes in those areas where we can excel."   Diaz initially lifted a high of 97 kilograms in the snatch event, but failed in three chances in the clean and jerk, as she was unable to lift the 118 kilograms over her head. Barriga meanwhile is competing against Italian boxer Manuel Cappai on Tuesday. - AMD, GMA News