SYDNEY Sy Tancontian of Davao City gave the Philippines another reason to celebrate as she captured a bronze medal in women's +80 kilogram division of the 2019 Sambo World Cup Kharlapiev Memorial Competition in Moscow, Russia over the weekend.
The 19-year-old Tancontian overcame a taller and heavier Alina Petronela Paunescu of Romania, beating her with three points at the stretch. But the Dabawenya ace, who also clinched a bronze in the World Sambo Championships in Bucharest, Romania, succumbed to Russian Olga Artoshina, relegating her to the bronze match.
Tancontian then recovered by beating Spain's Maria Rodriguez by throwing her in the last 25 seconds to secure the bronze.
"I feel blessed po as always may guidance po from the Almighty. Marami pa po akong kailangan i-improve in terms of technique po. I feel po na yung bagong achievement ko po will not only boost my confidence and yung kumpiyansa sa sarili but for the whole Pilipinas Sambo community," she said, adding that it could also inspire young athletes.
Being one of the younger players in the tournament that draw entries from 33 countries, however, did not make her feel insecure.
She said, "In every competition po na sinasalihan ko, I never feel intimidated mapa bata man po ako kesa sa mga opponents ko kasi I believe na yung laro po will always have a 50/50 chance pag tapak namin ng mat. Naniniwala po ako na pag nilamon ka na ng inferiority you won’t be able to perform your best and get the best result."
Tancontian was content with her feat as she also learned what she needs to improve in her upcoming tournaments.
She will join training camp in Russia on Friday and she will arrive on April 1. She aims to compete in the Paris Grand Slam and European Cup in July, depending on availability of funds.