Davao arnisadors capture 3 golds

THE Kapatiran Doble Olisi Escrima (KDOE) of Davao City bagged a total of three gold medals, one silver and two bronzes at the close of the 12th World Escrima Kali Arnis Championship at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City Friday.

Rudy Tacuque led the team with two gold medals. He defeated Jason Sumalinog of New Zealand to clinch the 69 kilogram men’s single stick gold then grabbed his second title by beating an Irish native in their 69 kilogram men’s double stick final.

KDOE president Mario Palazuelo, meanwhile, copped the senior above-50 men’s double stick gold at the expense of Oman bet Eric Mosqueda. Palazuelo also came home with a bronze in senior above-50 men’s single stick event after bowing to Team Hawaii bet Dave Cordero.

Johniel Morcillo, for his part, settled for the 58 kilograms men’s double stick silver having succumbed to his rival from Reunion Island of France. Morcillo also salvaged the single stick bronze.

Palazuelo, in a phone conversation with Sun.Star Davao, said in the
vernacular, "We are happy that Davao City contributed golds for Team Philippines. We are very happy with our performance, we didn't end up zero. Our one-month training really paid off."

Some 500 participants 25 countries joined the international arnis meet organized by the World Escrima Kali Arnis Federation (Wekaf).
It is backed by the Cebu Provincial Government in cooperation with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Cebu City and Mandaue City.