Gina Iniong and Gretel de Paz continued the strong campaign of Filipina kickboxers and advanced to the final of their respective events in the 2021 Southeast Asian Games at the Multi-Purpose Hall Gymnasium in Bac Ninh, Vietnam Wednesday, May 11.
Iniong, the defending women’s -55kg kick light champion, beat fellow ONE Championship contender Jihin Radzuan of Malaysia in the -60kg women's low kick while De Paz defeated Thai foe Namrak Surachada in the -56 kg women's full contact counterpart.
Both Iniong and De Paz are now assured of at least silver medals to make it seven for the Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas.
Honorio Banario suffered a 3-0 upset at the hands of Cambodian opponent Lvay Chhoeung in the men's -71kg low kick action.
Cantores wasn't as fortunate too after absorbing a 3-0 beating from Quang Nguyen of host Vietnam in the men's -60kg low kick.
Both Banario, who is the former ONE featherweight champion, and Cantores, however, have secured bronze medals for the Philippines.
Jean Claude Saclag, the reigning champion of the men’s -63.5kg low kick, is slated for a gold medal match while Zephania Ngaya has yet to see action in the women's -65kg full contact event.