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Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Corpus Christi lass wins silver in Brunei
By Lynde Salgados
BARELY one year after learning how to play table tennis, 10-year-old Corpus Christi Grade School pupil Ian Nietes Lariba was improving--too fast--as she would later find herself competing abroad.
And not only that! The country's only pick from Mindanao and the youngest of the eight-strong Philippine delegation was good enough to win for honors in the just-held 11th SEA Junior Table Tennis Championships 2005 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
"This is for you Sir," Lariba gladly hands over her present--a Brunei-made key holder--to Dr. Alfonso del Fiero in yesterday's courtesy call at the office of the Corpus Christi School president.
Lariba also showed the silver medal she and doubles partner Kheith Lhynne Cruz, 11 of the University of Sto. Tomas won in the 15-under girls division.
Even more indicating her vast potential on the rectangular table was Lariba's fourth-place finish in the individual event crowded by heftier and much older adversaries from the different Asian countries.
The Lariba-Cruz tandem yielded to Malaysia in the finals. They listed host Brunei and solid title-contender Thailand among their casualties in the elimination-round matches.
A first honor in the class, Lariba's victory over a Singaporean lass had paved the way for her to claim a decent finish in the tough individual competition.
"Lariba's feat was quite spectacular considering nga siya ang pinakagamay ug pinakabata sa field. Without a doubt, this little girl has a bright future awaiting her in table tennis event," a visibly impressed Dr. del Fiero told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.
Residing at Camp Evangelista in Brgy. Patag, Lariba got the nods of the Filipino Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation to see action in the Asian Age-Group Meet after she emerged gold medalist in this year's Palarong Pambansa in Iloilo City.
How far she has gone to after being taught of the rudiments of the game by coach Aldwin Dacayanan at a tender age of nine?
"Sixteen times champion and over 21 medals," was Lariba's ever smart and quick reply as she thanks no end Dacayanan for teaching her the basics of table tennis after their accidental meeting here at Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center.
(July 5, 2005 issue)
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