Filipino Fencers Fall Short in Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier
While fencer Samantha Catantan secured her spot in the Paris Games, Noelito Jose, Hanniel Abella, and Nathaniel Perez faced disappointment in their Olympic aspirations.
Noelito Jose’s Early Exit
Seeded 14th, Noelito Jose was eliminated in the men’s epee category after a narrow 15-13 loss to Singapore’s Jian Tong Sito in the round of 16.
Nathaniel Perez’s Defeat
Nathaniel Perez also exited in the round of 16 with a 15-8 loss to Australia’s Joseph Glasson in men’s foil.
Hanniel Abella’s Quarterfinal Run
Hanniel Abella reached the quarterfinals in women’s epee after defeating Iran’s Reihaneh Rezaei Tadi in the round of 16 but was eliminated by top seed Kiria Tikanah of Singapore.
Kiria Tikanah, a Tokyo Games participant, dominated the event and secured a spot in the Olympics.
Challenges in Qualifying for Paris
The Asia-Oceania qualifier offered only one Olympic spot for each of the six individual categories, making it a tough competition for the fencers.
Samantha Catantan made history by qualifying for the Olympics in women’s foil, the first Filipino fencer to do so in over three decades.
In a thrilling final match, Catantan overcame a knee injury to defeat Kazakhstan’s Sofiya Aktayeva 15-14.
Another Filipino fencer, Maxine Esteban, will also compete in Paris representing Ivory Coast in women’s foil.
