ABAP back on its feet – Vargas

Boxing big boss Ricky Vargas admits that the national team has been on the receiving end of countless beatings that past couple of years but counters that it has cleared the cobwebs.

“It’s in good hands,” said Vargas during Tuesday’s PSA Forum at the Amelie Hotel-Manila.

“Napabayaan ko ng kaunti (I was remiss a bit),” said Vargas. “I was a bit disappointed on performance lately in some of the more notable games. But we are picking up.”

Boxing secretary-general Ed Picson was right there to support Vargas, adding that they are reviving their talent identification program, something they were unable to execute lately.

Picson said an elite squad is bound for Bangkok to see action in the Asian championships next week.

Gomez faces another tough opponent in Indonesian Susanto Megaranto, who is at joint third with 3 points following a fourthround draw with GM Bayarsaikhan Gundavaa of Mongolia.

Bersamina clashes with FM Ganzorig Amartuvshin of Mongolia while Miciano collides with Vietnamese GM Tran Tuan Minh.

In the women’s division, Woman FIDE Master Shania Mae Mendoza finally posted her first victory at the expense of Mongolia’s Namjilav Enkhnasan for 2 points on one win, one loss and two draws.

She next meets hometown bet Davaakhuu Munkhzul. Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna, meanwhile, halved a point with Mongolian Sengeravdan Otgonjargal for her fourth straight draw to share identical 2 points with Mendoza, 2 points behind solo leader FM Ochirkhuyag Ulziikhishigjargal.

The tournament stakes two slots to the World Cup in Russia on Sept. 9 to Oct. 2.