FOR the second time, the Americans pulled the rug from under the Filipinos at their homecourt as the latter went on to win their third straight world championship of the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (Wekaf) which wrapped up yesterday at the Ayala Center Cebu.
USA pulled off a come from behind win over the home team as it collected 10 more gold medals in the final stretch, handing yet another huge upset for the RP team which had been trying hard to wrest the crown away from the US in several world championships.
The Americans tallied 44 gold medals with 35 silvers and 30 bronzes, compared to RP’s 35-18-19 gold-silver-bronze medal haul.
For GM Dionisio Cañete, the chairman emeritus of Wekaf, there were several factors that cost the RP team the crown, when it was a chance for the team to finally win.
“Negligence and spotty officiating were the factors that we lost,” Cañete said. “We can’t deny that the US team came here prepared. We on the other hand, became too busy with the preparations for the hosting that we left out one important thing—the team.
Although they have come up with some of its toughest lineup, Cañete divulged yesterday that they failed to field in players in seven divisions.
“It was a very huge error that we could not take back. These were some of our top players but we lost their records so they were not able to fight. Imagine the impact if they have won,” Cañete said.
Too busy
Cañete added that everyone—from the staff to the GMs—were so busy making sure that the event would be successful that they lost their focus on the team.
It was a huge loss because this was the only time that the RP team could send the maximum number of players as it is played at home. It would cost a lot to send participants when the competition shifts to another country. It would have to wait for four years before it will be held here again.
Scott Sleazak, an American who now resides and works in Cebu and plays for the RP team, on the other hand, said that there are lessons to be learned in the experience.
“It is a repeat of what happened in 2004. We were practically giving away medals for not being able to fill in all divisions,” said Sleazak
Sleazak also said that there is need to refresh the officials.
“No matter how they deny it, some of the decisions were very one-sided. We have been in this sport long enough to know that. The rules should be made clear to the judges,” Sleazak said.
Sleazak also said that it will be good to use the video footage ruling.
“If we used those footages, we would see how one-sided they are,” said Sleazak, who won two golds for the RP team this year.
All divisions
Sleazak also said that he still believes that the Philippines will win the title soon.
“We need to field players in all divisions. In forms, for instance, one should not only prepare for traditional single stick but also for the non-traditional form,” he said.
Meanwhile, completing the gold medal winners for RP is the men’s team composed of Edgardo Bontuyan, Dan Ritchel Guba and Reynaldo Combati, who defeated the US trio in the tag competition.
The last gold came from Robert Bonjoc, who won in the men’s welter weight in the double sticks competition, defeating USA’s Michael Klusman III. (MCB)
