Pinoy rowers settle for silver in Japan International meet

Alvin Amposta and Roque Abala Jr. snared the silver medal in the men’s lightweight doubles sculls in the just concluded 32nd All Japan International Lightweight Rowing Championships held at the Toda Olympic Boat Course in Saitama, Japan. Amposta and Abala crossed the finish line second behind the bets from Hong Kong to take the silver medal in the event. The silver-medal finish is a big boost for the team preparing for the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China from November 12 to 27. National coach Edgardo Maerina said that the event was a high-caliber event since it drew 50 teams in Asia. These athletes will also compete in the quadrennial meet. “Since we’re competing in the Asian Games, it would be better if we have more international exposures.There’s still time to prepare for the Asiad," Maerina said. Olympian Benjie Tolentino went home empty handed as he finished fourth place in the men’s lightweight singles sculls. Maerina said that the team will continue to train at the La Mesa Dam in Quezon City. The rowers will compete in the multi-sports event for the first time since the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand as there was no rowing event in the 2009 SEA Games in Laos. – RCJ, GMANews.TV