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Davao City’s Molde, 17, hurled her way to the elusive gold that lifted the hopes of the 485-Davao Region contingent and took vengeance to Central Visayas bet who upset her to win the triple jump gold. Earning the fitting distinction of the first DAVRAA gold medalist, Molde jumped to a distance of 5.16 meters besting tough contender Irene Baluran of Central Visayas who registered 5.16 meters. Baluran, who foiled Molde’s bid to clinch the triple jump gold by handing the Davao City native a silver medal, took the silver while Chit Calayog of Western Visayas copped the bronze with 4.96 meters. “We are very thankful that we have finally won a gold medal from her (Molde). We hope that we could win more gold’s, “said Dr. Fidel Japos, DAVRAA athletic manager. It was Jerome Oclaret, the secondary boy’s shot put gold medal winner last year, who encouraged Paler to transfer to athletics. NMRAA coaching staff led by chief athletics tactician Juanito Borres teammates described Paler as a “very good, disciplined and hard-working boy”. “Edward trained hard for this Palarong Pambansa because this was his dream. Winning the gold medal was just a bonus but we expected a lot from him, “said Borres. Thrower Banjo Samson contributed bronze medal to the NM medal production when he placed third in the secondary boy’s javelin throw. Asserting their supremacy, four Davao boxers barged their way to the semi-finals with convincing victories yesterday at the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk. Engelbert Moralde, Mark Anthony Barriga and Glen Canteverde won their quarter-finals via referee stop contest.
Paper-weight Engelbert outclassed Manrico Gemina in the 1:07 seconds of the opening round while Barriga also outclassed Alladin Mandidis of Autonomous Muslims of Region Mindanao in the 24 seconds mark of the second round in mosquito division.Canteverde outscored Angelo Marcial 22- 12 in the third round of their pin-weight class encounter. Engelbert’s brother John Vincent and Jerwin Ancajas outpointed their respective foes to win the match. John Vincent won by points over Jessie Alay of Northern Mindanao, 25 – 6 while Ancajas defeated Bonifacio Fernando of MIMAROPA in the same fashion (Rico Biliran/MindaNews)