SAKHIR, Bahrain — It took just over a minute for Charlie Ratcliff to make a statement at the Asian Youth Games.

The 16-year-old from Calatrava, Negros Occidental, submitted Thailand’s Nakanantaphon Khaihong with a neck crank in the first round to capture the gold medal in the girls’ 45kg modern MMA category on Saturday, October 25, at Exhibition World Bahrain. The referee stopped the contest with 1:57 left, marking the Philippines’ second gold of the Games.

Ratcliff joined fellow gold medalist Kram Airam Carpio of Santa Cruz, Laguna, who earlier topped the men’s pencak silat event. Her brother Travis settled for silver in the boys’ 60kg traditional MMA class, losing to Iran’s Hatamianafshari Amirmohammad by unanimous decision.

POC chief hails growing medal haul

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who is overseeing the delegation, expressed confidence in the team’s performance.

“This gold medal was expected,” Tolentino said. “There was no doubt we would surpass our previous haul.” The Philippines won two gold and three silver medals at the 2012 Nanjing edition.

Tolentino added that several sports remain promising. “We still have volleyball, boxing, weightlifting—marami pang pagkukunan, pati jiujitsu,” he said.

Chef de Mission Ramon “Tats” Suzara said the latest medals should motivate, not pressure, the rest of the contingent. “I always tell our players to just have fun. Don’t let the pressure get to you. When you play, play like you’ve got nothing to lose,” he said.

Muay and athletics add to medal hopes

In muay, Jan Brix Ramiscal (16–17) and Zeth Gabriel Bueno (14–15) advanced to the Wai Kru finals, assuring at least bronze medals. Ramiscal scored 9.17, while Bueno tallied 9.03. Ramiscal also reached the mixed team Mai Muay finals, guaranteeing another medal.

Iyesha Blair Bituin is assured of bronze in the girls’ -51kg combat (16–17) after reaching the semifinals, where she faces Cambodia’s Sreypenh Om. Lyrie Anie Ngina (14–15) and Jasmine Dagame (16–17) also secured virtual bronze in Wai Kru, with a chance for gold still open.

At Bahrain National Stadium, Pi Durden Wangkay clocked 22.22 seconds to qualify for the boys’ 200m final. Naomi Cesar (2:19.74) and Mia Guillergan (2:20.09) advanced in the girls’ 800m, placing second and fourth, respectively, in their heats.