MULTI-TITLED Sydney Sy Tancontian of University of Sto. Tomas lived up to her billing as she took on two gold medals in the just-concluded De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) Brother Ceci Hojilla Judo Cup held at the DLSZ Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Tancontian, a Grade 11 Senior High purple belt from Davao City, copped her first gold in juniors -78 kilogram after defeating Jamaika Ponciano via arm lock submission in the event participated by over 150 athletes from different clubs of the country.
In the eliminations, Tancontian eked out victories over Rhea Chong of Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines Diliman bet Bianca Paloma.
The Dabawenya then doubled her feat with another gold in open belt division where she subdued Paloma via Osaekomi technique. She earlier outclassed Patricia Placencia and Chong in the elimination round.
Tancontian, in a Facebook chat with SunStar Davao, said she had to win three matches per division to get the gold medals.
“I finished all my six matches via submission and by pinning down my opponents,” she said, sharing that she had to adjust with the new rules implemented by the International Judo of the Philippines.
Tancontian recalled she was the youngest among participants in both juniors and seniors divisions. Most of her rivals were brown belts. Thus, she had to focus on each match.
She said she exerts more effort in training and learn new strategies to survive tough competition in Manila.
“Marami na talaga akong nakakalaro na magagaling sa judo. Naging madali din po sa akin na maka-adapt agad kasi maganda po ang fundamentals na na-inculcate sa amin (I have competed against several tough opponents in judo. I was easily able to adapt because of the fundamentals they inculcated on us),” she said.
Tancontian will next see action in the Judo Open slated March 12 in Singapore.