![The Philippine Fencing Association held the first leg of the Senior Fencing Championships last Feb. 3 and 4, at the Gateway Mall in Quezon City.](https://sports.ptvnews.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/423619400_1447800729148941_2631230277688850212_n.jpg)
The Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) held the first leg of the Senior Fencing Championships over the weekend at the Upper Ground B, Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City with national team members showing the way.
Three events kicked off the tournament with the country’s top fencers showing off their class in the different events organized by the PFA.
In the men’s epee event, national team member Jose Noelito Jr. finished with the top ranking. Fellow national team members Ergina Lee Eigran and Timothy Dale Gonzales finished second and third respectively in the men’s epee final ranking released on Saturday, February 3.
Noelito drew a bye to start the tournament and immediately advanced to the table of 32. The SEA Games veteran proved too much for Malinao Agasti in the table of 32 and continued his dominance in the table of 16 against Obzunar Aurell Florence to advance.
The 26-year-old would next dispose of Lumahan Darylle Joshua to reach the semifinals.
In the men’s foil, it was also an all-national show with Nathaniel Perez taking the top spot. Samuel Tranquilian settled for second place while Prince John Francis Felipe ranked third.
The men’s sabre event saw CJ Concepcion bested Eric Brando II to bag the gold. John Paul Dayro wound up with the bronze after defeating Xavier Matthew Reyes.
On the women’s side, Ivy Claire Dinoy topped the women’s epee event, topping Mickyle Rein Bustos and Hanniel Abella who finished second and third respectively.
Jylyn Nicanor came out as the best in the women’s saber ranking, besting fellow national players Allaine Nicole Cortey and Queen Denise Dalmacio.
The women’s foil event saw Janna Allysah Catantan come out as the best, copping the top spot followed by two other national team fencers in Sophia Shekainah (second) and Wilhelmina Lozada (third).
The PFA will is set to hold the other legs for 2024 that will also be held in malls.