SAKHIR, Bahrain — Philippine delegation flag bearer Leo Mhar Lobrido showed grit and brilliance, leading the Filipino boxers’ fierce opening-day charge at the Asian Youth Games at Exhibition World Bahrain.

Fighting in the flyweight division, one of the flagship categories for the Philippines in elite amateur and professional boxing, the 16-year-old Lobrido put on a masterclass, dominating Salte Alhadidi of Jordan, 5-0, on Friday.

Nephew of Olympians Isidro and Virgilio Vicera, Lobrido marches on to the quarterfinals against Sri Lankan Binul Dulnada Dewasiri Narayana, who also scored a 5-0 victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chung-wei Hsu.

Shairylle Pores, also 16, advanced in the girls’ light flyweight, scoring a split decision victory over Uzbekistan’s Bukhshonabonu Ahaduva, 3-2.

The Philippine boxing team, however, saw one of its fighters fall by the wayside early, as Ermalie Caballero got edged out by Xinying Cui of China, 3-2, in the girls’ flyweight class (50kg).

Hill climb at Royal Bahrain

THE Philippines faced a steep uphill battle on a desert-framed course in the final round of the golf competition at Royal Golf Club in Riffa.

David Serdenia was at two-over 146 after rounds of 72-74, a daunting 11 strokes off the pace as China’s Jin Han entered the final round on Saturday on top at nine-under following rounds of 67-68 in benign conditions at the Colin Montgomerie-designed layout.

Patrick Tambalque was five strokes further back at seven-over with rounds of 75-76, while Tristan Padilla stood at eight-over after going 78-74.

China’s Menghan Li leads the girls’ competition at -12 after impressive rounds of 65-67 on the lush green fairways contrasted by a desert background.

Eliana Saga of the Philippines was tied for 11th at four-under 140, eight strokes behind, after consecutive 70s.

Crista Minoza was one-over after shooting 72-73, while Precious Zaragosa stood at 12-over 156.

Meanwhile, rising star Sam Cantada said the Alas Pilipinas girls’ team is determined to work on consistency and elevate their performance, even as the squad notched its second consecutive win to secure a prime position in the quarterfinals.

Alas Pilipinas continued its fine run at Isa Sports City, overpowering Hong Kong, 25-15, 28-26, 25-21, and gaining momentum in the Round of Eight.

The Philippines stood second in Pool F with a 2-1 record, just behind unbeaten Thailand (3-0).

Standing in their way in the road to the semifinals is Chinese Taipei.

Cantada admitted they have a lot to work on, including minimizing errors and strengthening team chemistry as they try to sustain the drive to the podium.

“Pagtatrabahuhan namin kung anong pwedeng gawin na solusyon sa lahat ng mga lapses namin, gagawin namin,” Cantada said. “Magvi-viewing kami, magte-training kami nang maayos, pagtatrabahuhan namin para makuha namin yung game namin. One game at a time lang po kami,” Cantada said.

Cantada had 14 points on 12 attacks, a block and an ace, while Rhose Almendralejo had nine points, all on attacks.

Jins falter

Four Filipino jins fell short in taekwondo competitions also at Exhibition World Bahrain, with Juan Victorio Yamat and Felicity Jana Castel dropping their quarterfinal matches against Kazakh fighters.

Raphael Valentin Gaupo and Mary Heart Capulong could not get past the Round of 16.

Bunyad Bakhramkulov defeated the 15-year-old Yamat, 2-1, in the boys’ -48kg class, while Aiym Serikbayeva also of Kazakhstan Castel got dominated in the girls’ -44 kg.

Gaupo could not overcome Taijikistan’s +73 kg against Dzhonibek Nigmatov, while Capulong bowed to Jordan’s Lama Albqowr in the in the girls’ +63 kg opposite.

That left six Filipinos to carry the fight for the country in the last two days of taekwondo competitions.

Still to see action are Rhiyanne Agatha Cadilena (girls -49kg), Lhord Jared Patrick Pasaron (boys -73kg), Princess Sarah Grace Pascual (girls -55kg), Matt Rejhan Lavestre (boys -55kg), Chuck Aeron Alariao (boys -63kg), and EJ Gaa (girls -63kg).