HANGZHOU, China – Reigning world champion Junna Tsukii hopes to deliver the final medal for Team Philippines when she competes in the women’s individual kumite 50-kilogram class on Sunday, Oct. 8, in the 19th Asian Games at the Linping Sports Centre Stadium here.

Having stamped her class in the World Championships in Birmingham, United States, Tsukii is listed among the top favorites to reach the medal round.

Already 33, Tsukii is as determined to deliver another performance to remember as she intends to help the PH cause in beating the four-gold haul the country achieved during the Jakarta Games five years ago.

In that game, Tsukii, a teacher by profession, contributed one of the 15 bronze medals won by the country.

But the path to the Promised Land this time is littered with dangers, with presence of the Japanese and Middle Eastern bets – not to mention the home bets.

Tsukii, however, is hoping her vast experience, including winning in the SEA Games and Asian Championships, will serve her well in desire to win the country’s fifth gold medal.

Karate has so far contributed one bronze through Alforte Sakura in the women’s kata (form) event.

Arianne Isabel Brito is still fighting for the bronze against Joud Aldrous of Jordan at presstime.

SEAG champion Jamie Lim, daughter of PBA legend Samboy Lim, broke down in tears on Friday following her heartbreaking quarter finals defeat in the -61kg class. 

Meanwhile, Andrea Lao failed to add another bronze to the jiu-jitsu medal tally after losing to Korean Choi Hee Joo in the women’s 63kg contest at the XSL Gym.

Matthew Manantan also fell short in his Round of 16  duel with Taiwanese Shih Cheng Chung in the men’s -67kg contest.