National Team bets claim first leg of PFA Ranking Tournament

c/o Araneta City

This past weekend saw the best of the best fencers in the country flock to the Quantum Skyview of Gateway Mall 2 to compete in the first leg of the ranking tournaments of the Philippine Fencing Association.

All three disciplines were featured, with national team members establish their initial dominance.

It started with the men on Saturday, highlighted by pool members taking three of the four semifinal spots in both sabre and foil.

Nathaniel Perez defeated fellow Atletang Ayala and pool member Sammuel Tranquilan in the final of the latter, 15-8. Joining them in the podium are losing semifinalists Louis Shoemaker and pool member Shawn Felipe. All four also happen to represent the University of the East.

As for the former, CJ Concepcion dispatched Eunice Villanueva in an all-pool member final, 15-7.  Kurt Maruquez managed to eke into the semifinals by defeating UE fencer Charles Babatio, 15-10 before the La Salle fencer lost to Villanueva in the semifinals, 11-15. Khiane Felipe also earned a semifinal spot before bowing to Concepcion, 11-15.

Sean Patrick Lauron managed to escape the national team gauntlet by topping the epee discipline. Representing Oblation Fencing, he dispatched Noelito Jose, Jr, 15-14, in the final, with Lee Ergina and Ruzzel Gallano completing the semifinalists.

Sunday was not much different, with all three discipline featuring national team stalwarts in all finals matchups.

Alexa Larrazabal outpointed Ashley Harrison in epee, 15-13, while Atletang Ayala's Janna Catantan outperformed Wilhelmina Lozada, 15-12, and Jylyn Nicanor dominated reigning two-time UAAP MVP Queen Dalmacio,  15-3.

Second leg action is scheduled to take place next month at the Alabang Town Center.