Southeast Asian Games silver medalist John Ceniza wound up fifth overall in the men’s 61-kilogram class late Wednesday night as action intensifies in the IWF World Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ceniza did 131 kgs in the snatch and 165 kgs in the clean-and-jerk for a total lift of 296 kgs but was not good enough to make the podium.
Li Fabin of China, who won the gold in the Tokyo Olympics, topped the event with a 308 kg total lift while Italian Sergio Massidda settled for runnerup honors with a 302 kgs effort.
The bronze went to another Chinese bet, Ding Hongjie, who did 301. Kgs.
After two days of competitions, the Philippines has yet to make it to the podium.
Rosegie Ramos kicked off the campaign in the 49 kg class but finished seventh while Lovely Inan, another SEA silver medalist, failed to lift a snatch in three tries and was unranked.
But the Philippines’ fortunes could change anytime as Tokyo Olympics champion Hidilyn Diaz and SEA Games titleholder Elreen Ando were competing at press time in the 59 kg.
Though not a direct qualifying event for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the worlds awards precious points needed to make the grade for the Olympics.
