Marie June Adriano won Asian Games bronze in kumite -50kg on Wednesday, beating Chinese Taipei’s Ya-chi Chung 10-3. The 22-year-old first-timer earned her first Asian Games medal in the bronze-medal match.

Adriano’s win gave the Philippines its second karate medal of the Games and fifth medal overall. The victory carried extra weight, since Chung had beaten Adriano in their two previous meetings.

Adriano had lost to Chung twice before, adding extra motivation heading into their third meeting. She said she studied their past matches and adjusted her approach before the decisive bout.

First-Time Asian Games Athlete Overcomes Rival, Pressure

Adriano, 22, studies Human Kinetics at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She hails from Llanera, Nueva Ecija, and was competing in her first Asian Games.

“Pangatlong beses na po naming nagharap,” Adriano said, recalling her third encounter with Chung. The remark underscored just how personal the rivalry had become after two straight losses.

Adriano credited her coach’s confidence and her own preparation for keeping her composed. “Mas nagtiwala po ako sa technique ko, sa kung ano yung baon ko, kung ano yung trinain ko para sa competition na ito,” she said.

She also credited a specific strategy from her coach for her composure under pressure. He reminded her to stay centered and patient, waiting for the right opening to attack.

Path to Bronze Included Wins Over Cambodia, South Korea

Before facing Chung, Adriano beat three different opponents to reach the bronze-medal match. She defeated Cambodia’s Srey Phea Chonn, 4-3, then blanked South Korea’s Yang Yewon, 4-0.

Her run hit a snag in the semifinals against Hong Kong’s Tsang Yee Ting. Tsang edged her out, 5-4, in a tightly contested match, pushing Adriano into the bronze bout.

Despite the semifinal setback, Adriano said the bronze felt like a major milestone. “Super laking bagay niya para sa akin. As a first-timer, talagang yung pressure, nandoon lahat,” she said.

She closed by expressing gratitude for being chosen to represent the Philippines. “Sobrang happy po ako na isa ako sa napili at nakapagbigay ako ng medalya para sa Pilipinas,” Adriano said.