SAKHIR, Bahrain — Leo Mhar Lobrido set the tone for Team Philippines on the opening day of the Asian Youth Games with a dominant 5-0 victory in the flyweight division. The 16-year-old controlled the bout from start to finish and advanced to the quarterfinals, giving the Philippines an early boost at Exhibition World Bahrain.

Lobrido, nephew of Olympians Isidro and Virgilio Vicera, will face Sri Lanka’s Binul Dulnada Dewasiri Narayana next. Shairylle Pores also advanced after a 3-2 split decision in the girls’ light-flyweight division. Ermalie Caballero fell 3-2 to China’s Xinying Cui in girls’ flyweight.

Alas Pilipinas secures quarterfinal place

Alas Pilipinas stayed on course in volleyball with a 25-15, 28-26, 25-21 win over Hong Kong at Isa Sports City. Sam Cantada led the charge with 14 points. Rhose Almendralejo added nine points. The team improved to 2-1 in Pool F and sits behind unbeaten Thailand. Next up is Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals. Coach and players said they will focus on limiting errors and tightening team play.

Philippine golfers battled a tough layout at Royal Golf Club in Riffa. David Serdenia stood at two-over after rounds of 72-74. He lagged well behind China’s Jin Han, who led at nine-under. Eliana Saga was tied for 11th at four-under in the girls’ event. Conditions tested the field with firm greens and shifting winds.

Taekwondo produced mixed results. Four Filipino jins bowed out early, including Juan Victorio Yamat and Felicity Jana Castel in the quarterfinals. Raphael Valentin Gaupo and Mary Heart Capulong lost in the Round of 16. Six jins remain in contention and will compete over the final two days: Rhiyanne Agatha Cadilena, Lhord Jared Patrick Pasaron, Princess Sarah Grace Pascual, Matt Rejhan Lavestre, Chuck Aeron Alariao and EJ Gaa.

Team Philippines showed resilience across sports. Boxing wins and a volleyball quarterfinal berth give the delegation momentum as the Asian Youth Games move toward medal rounds.