Jiu-jitsu bet, wrestler near medal rounds in asian meet

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan – Jiu-jitsu specialist Marc Alexander Lim and wrestler Jonathan Maquilan disposed of their respective rivals to move closer to the medal rounds in the fifth Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games yesterday.

Lim, 20, outclassed Arslan Setdarow of Turkmenistan, 4-0, in the men’s Ne-waza -69kg division to the disappointment of the big home crowd at the Martial Arts Arena here.

The 2015 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships bronze medalist scored four points with two minutes and 40 seconds left in the first round after locking Setdarow in a superior position.

Lim, from Davao City, will next face Ibrahim Abdulla Mohammed Alhosani of United Arab Emirates in the quarterfinals.

Maquilan also advanced to the quarters with a similar lopsided 5-0 win over Jawid Ahmad Amiri of Afghanistan in the men’s classic -62kg traditional wrestling at the Main Indoor Arena.

Maquilan will take on Turkemnistan’s Isgender Asyrow for a spot in the semis.

The twin victories saved the day for the Filipinos, who suffered stinging setbacks in other fronts, including athletics.

Jiu-jitsu fighter Hansel Terrence Co was disqualified against Saoud Abdulla Yousef Ali of UAE in the quarters while Gilbert Ombao (men’s ne-waza -94kg) bowed to Jonibek Atajanow of Turkmenistan.

Apryl Jessica Eppinger (women’s ne-waza -62kg) also lost lost Buyandelger Battsogt of Mongolia while Lou-Ann Jindani (-70kg) succumbed to Onanong Sangsirichok of Thailand.