Phl fencers capture three gold medals

Youthful fencer Arianna Victoria Tiu starred in the Philippines' campaign after copping two gold medals in the Southeast Asian Fencing Federation Junior and Cadets Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Immaculate Conception Academy standout bested local bet Natalie Wang, 15-10, in the final to bag the mint in the cadet women's sabre individual event of the prestigious swordfest that ran from 6 to 11 January.

Tiu went on a rampage right from her opening match after outclassing Chattay Napasorn of Thailand, 15-8, in the Round of 16 before eliminating fellow Filipino Maiev Boy, 15-11, to advance into the semifinal.

She had to battle Malaysian Sum Suhui neck-and-neck before eking out a 15-13 decision to set up a gold medal duel against Wang.

Tiu, a Grade 11 student, also teamed up with Kaikaku dela Serna and Meagan Co Say in Philippines Team A to rule the women's sabre team event.

The squad, handled by head coach Eric Brando II of Republic Fencing and Sports Club, bested Malaysia Team B, 45-26, before bringing down Malaysia Team A in a squeaker, 45-44, to stand on the top podium.

Meanwhile, Philippines Team B, composed of Maiev Boy, Medivh Boy and Patricia Cablay took the bronze medal in the event it shared with Malaysia Team B.

Also, adding gold into the country's coffer was Martina Jene Baccay in women's cadet foil.

Joelle Chow of Malaysia took silver while her teammates Sofea Nurfatnin Abdul Razak and Lara Harris shared third.