Carlos Yulo topped the floor exercise at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, but his younger brother pushed him all the way. Karl Eldrew Yulo outscored him on the vault and horizontal bar.

The two-time Olympic champion scored 14.600 to lead the floor exercise in Subdivision 1 of the men’s artistic gymnastics qualification round. It marked the start of his 20th Asian Games campaign.

Carlos Yulo Asian Games Qualification Recap

Carlos struggled on a few apparatuses, including the vault and horizontal bar. He recovered on his second vault attempt, but Eldrew still posted higher scores on both events.

The star gymnast admitted his preparation did not go as planned. “Hindi siya lumabas sa preparation na gusto ko… ang daming learnings din na pwede kong baunin sa mga susunod na araw,” he said.

Roughly translated, Carlos said the preparation did not turn out the way he wanted. He added that he can take many lessons into the coming days.

After Subdivision 1, Carlos and Eldrew held the top two spots in the men’s individual all-around standings. Miguel Besana, Zachary Nunez and Ace de Leon also competed for the Philippines.

Yulo Brothers Eye Asian Games Gymnastics Finals

Carlos revealed that he has been asking Eldrew for tips on the horizontal bar. “Hindi ko kayang gawin yung ginagawa niya sa high bar. Nagtatanong po ako sa kanya… yung feeling and yung technique,” he said.

Eldrew said it was overwhelming to have his two-time Olympic champion brother seek his advice. He noted that he is usually the one asking Carlos for help.

The brothers are not yet assured of finals spots. They are awaiting the Subdivision 2 results, which will feature gymnasts from Japan, China, Chinese Taipei, Korea and Kazakhstan.

An Asian Games gold remains one of the major titles missing from Carlos’ medal collection. Still, he remains hopeful. “May finals pa, may chance pa, may chance tayo na makapag-medal,” he said.