Kaila Napolis is bracing for her toughest challenge yet as she competes in the open division of the World Games on Tuesday, August 12, at the Jianyang Cultural and Sports Centre Gymnasium in Chengdu, China. The Muntinlupa City native, fresh from her silver-medal finish in the women’s -52kg ne-waza event, will face a pool of athletes from the 52kg, 57kg, and 63kg categories.

Napolis is aiming for her second medal in Chengdu, with a potential rematch against South Korea’s Eon Ju Im — the same opponent who denied her gold just days ago. Supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee and its president, Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the Filipino grappler remains optimistic despite the weight disadvantage. “I believe in miracles,” she said. “I don’t know what will happen ahead since I will be battling fighters in heavier divisions, but I’m always ready.”

Tough competition ahead

The open division will feature 18 athletes battling from the Round of 16 to the medal rounds in a single day. Fellow Filipino Annie Ramirez, who exited early in the 57kg division, will also be in action, hoping to bounce back despite acknowledging the strength of the 63kg competitors.

On Monday, with fewer events scheduled, the Philippine delegation took time to rest and recover. Some visited recreational spots in the Athletes’ Village, others caught musical performances by Chinese artists, while a few attended to practical tasks like laundry.

Other Filipinos in Chengdu action

Action resumes across multiple fronts on Tuesday. Paris Olympics boxer Hergie Bacyadan will return to competition as a kickboxer in the women’s 70kg division at the Sichuan Gymnasium. In billiards, Chezka Centeno advanced to the women’s 10-ball quarterfinals despite a narrow 6-7 loss to China’s Yu Han, having earlier defeated Easton Savannah of the US, 7-2.

Rubilen Amit and Jeff de Luna face must-win matches against China’s Shasha Lui and Poland’s Oliver Szolnoki, respectively, to stay alive in the tournament. Meanwhile, the Philippine men’s floorball team will look to close their Chengdu campaign on a high note against host China in the 7th-place classification match at the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre, following a 0-18 loss to Switzerland.