HANGZHOU, China—Carlo Paalam steered clear of the danger before sneaking in the precise hits that counted to defeat Jordan’s Mohammad Jajeh Abu in their opening bout at the 19th Asian Games.

Evading the longer reach of a much-taller foe, Paalam got the nod of the judges after three rounds in a unanimous 5-0 victory in the men’s 57kg round of 32 at the Hangzhou Gymnasium here.

“Sobrang tangkad nya sa akin, kaya nag-stick lang ako sa game plan namin ng mga coaches ko,’’ said Paalam, whose chief objective here is to clinch a spot in next year’s Paris Olympics.

Opposite Abu, he was compelled to fight smarter in the ring and threw punches only when necessary.

Paalam got a silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics in the men’s 51kg. But that weight class was removed from the Paris program next year.

The boxing finalists at the ongoing Asian Games offered slots to the glitzy French capital.

The national boxing team here is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“Pagsikapan ko talaga ang makapunta sa Paris. Gawin ang best every laban. Baguhan ako sa timbang na ito, so mabigat at malakas ang galaw dito,’’ said Paalam, a flyweight bronze medalist during the 2018 Asiad in Indonesia.

“Adjust ako dito dahil mahahaba ang mga kalabaan at sobrang galing din. Matalino din sila maglaro,’’ added the 25-year-old pride of Talakag, Bukidnon. (ai/mnm)

Image Courtesy of: Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Facebook Page)

THE Blu Girls have secured an impressive four consecutive victories at the Makassar Open in Indonesia.

Despite a challenging start with a 1-7 loss to the formidable Japanese team in the opening game of the 2023 Makassar Open International Softball Tournament, the Philippine women’s softball squad has displayed remarkable skill and teamwork to keep their title hopes alive.

With resounding wins against Malaysia University Varsyti (13-0), the Southside Stingers of Australia (7-0), Lakidende of Indonesia (8-0), and Miramar of New Zealand (6-0), the Blu Girls have showcased their dominance on the field.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asaphil), commented on their success, stating, “These victories highlight our team’s capabilities and unwavering commitment to excellence. The Makassar Open is a crucial platform for us to demonstrate our readiness for global competition, and our performance so far stands as a strong testament to our potential.”

Lhuillier also emphasized that the Blu Girls’ consistent performances have positioned them as a team to watch as the tournament unfolds, and their lone defeat to Japan has not diminished their status as strong contenders.

The Makassar Open also serves as the final preparation for the Cebuana Lhuillier-backed team as they gear up for the 2023 Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Shaoxing, China, from September 26 to October 2, 2023.

The roster of the Blu Girls includes Glory Alonzo, Francesca Altomonte, Mary Ann Antolihao, Danica Aquino, Elsie Dela Torre, Skylynne Ellazar, Ma. Angelu Gabriel, Alaiza Talisik, Nicole Hammoude, Mae Langga, Mary Joy Maguad, Ma. Celyn Ojare, Royevel Palma, Aliza Pichon, Cristy Joy, Ma. Charlotte Sales, Alaiza Talisik, and Reyae Villamin. (ai/mnm)