Filipino gymnasts ready

JAKARTA—Asian Games rookies Carlos Edriel Yulo and Reyland Capellan expressed optimism on their chances for a podium finish when they plunge into action in men’s artistic competition of the gymnastics event that kicks off Monday at the Jakarta International Expo Kanayoran Hall D.

The 18-year-old Yulo, the prince of the Palarong Pambansa back home, said he wanted to give back to what the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) and his country had given him in his preparation for the Games.

“I am ready this time. I want to show that I am ready to win a medal for the country,” said Yulo, who clinched a silver in floor exercise in the 2018 Doha World Cup in Qatar and a bronze in vault in Melbourne World Cup Gymnastics 2018 in Australia.

He also bagged a silver in vault in the Baku World Cup 2018 in Azerbaijan last March 18.

Yulo will compete in the individual all-around, horizontal bar, pommel horse, parallel bars, vault, rings and his favorite floor exercise.

Capellan, who won gold in floor exercise and bronze in vault in last year’ Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian Games, also wants to show that he deserves the slot in the national team.

“I am ready to mix it up with all of them.” said Capellan, who like Yulo, is on his first tour of duty in the Asian Games.