Inspired Baylon eyes World Games glory

After winning the gold medal in the 10th Sanda World Cup, an inspired Carlos Baylon Jr. will focus on his preparation for the World Games in Chengdu, China from 7 to 17 August.

Baylon said there is no room to celebrate despite winning his first World Cup gold medal as he faces tougher opponents in the biggest multi-sport event outside the Olympics.

Baylon defeated Saydullo Abdurashitov of Uzbekistan, 1-0, in the final of the men’s 56-kilogram division of the World Cup last Tuesday in Jiangyan, China

“I will focus on my training. It’s back to zero again and let’s not think about getting a gold medal for now,” the 27-year-old Baylon said.

“We keep on training so that we can hope to get the same medal in the competition.”

Baylon went through a pair of hard-fought matches to win the World Cup gold medal.

First, he bested Hio Lam Ku of Macau, 2-1, in the semifinal before edging Abdurashitov to secure the gold medal.

Bayron, the pride of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental who will represent the country in the World Games together with Jones Llabres Inso and Agatha Wong, hopes to use his recent victory as a springboard for more medals in the future.

“I’m also happy that I was able to receive a medal and a gold in the Sanda World Cup,” Baylon said.

“I hope we can win another medal.”