Top Pinoy fencers dominate Senior Fencing Championships first leg

The Senior Fencing Championships was held over the weekend over at the Gateway Mall in Quezon City with Philippine national team members dominating the first leg organized by the Philippine Fencing Association.

There were three events that kicked off the tournament on Saturday, February 3. It was hardly surprising to see national fencers dominate the events staged on day one.

In the men’s epee event, national team member Jose Noelito Jr. finished with the top ranking. Fellow national team members Ergina Lee Eigran and Timothy Dale Gonzales finished second and third respectively in the men’s epee final ranking released on Saturday, February 3.

photo credit: Philippine Fencing Association

Noelito drew a bye to start the tournament and immediately advanced to the table of 32. The SEA Games veteran proved too much for Malinao Agasti in the table of 32 and continued his dominance in the table of 16 against Obzunar Aurell Florence to advance.

The 26-year-old would next dispose of Lumahan Darylle Joshua to reach the semifinals.

In the men’s foil, it was also an all-national show with Nathaniel Perez taking the top spot. Samuel Tranquilian settled for second place while Prince John Francis Felipe ranked third.

The men’s sabre event saw CJ Concepcion bested Eric Brando II to bag the gold. John Paul Dayro wound up with the bronze after defeating Xavier Matthew Reyes.

Nationals show way in women’s events

On the women’s side, Ivy Claire Dinoy topped the women’s epee event, topping Mickyle Rein Bustos and Hanniel Abella who finished second and third respectively.

Jylyn Nicanor came out as the best in the women’s saber ranking, besting fellow national players Allaine Nicole Cortey and Queen Denise Dalmacio.

The women’s foil event saw Janna Allysah Catantan come out as the best, copping the top spot followed by two other national team fencers in Sophia Shekainah (second) and Wilhelmina Lozada (third).

The first leg of the Senior Fencing Championships was made possible through the efforts of the Philippine Fencing Association. The next legs are also scheduled to be held in malls this 2024.