SANYA, China — Dhenver John Castillo sailed his way to a silver medal victory for Team Philippines Tuesday in the boys’ foil windsurfing event in the 6th Asian Beach Games at the Sanya Bay Haihong Square here.

A gold medal winner in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand last year, Castillo notched 39 Net points — tied with Thai Wachirawit Thonup — after a taxing 13-heat battle but got the silver after the Pinoy bet placed second in the last race.

A 14th race was scrapped for good due to unfavorable weather conditions in this resort city.

Castillo wound up with two Net points in the final sail and a total of 58 to Thonup’s three (57 total) that sealed the deal for the Mabini, Batangas native.

Ranged against the best in the continent, winning the mint proved to be all worth it for Castillo.

“Of course, during training, it’s really hard. You have to persevere,” Castillo said. “You really put all your heart into these competitions. My family told me to always be careful, do your best, while my coaches, they said, always stay focused.

“The competition here in China is a bit tough because it’s not just the SEA Games but you are competing against the best in Asia,” he added.

The Philippines’ campaign in this resort city is supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee under its President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and the Philippine Sports Commission led by chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.

Wang Yiguo of host nation China captured the gold with a near-flawless 12 Net points.

Team Philippines is in the third spot with three gold, three silver, and two bronze medals in the 45-nation Asian joust.

China leads the ABG with 15 gold, 11 silver, and five bronze followed by Thailand (7-5-4).

The three mints were courtesy of jiu-jitsu’s Annie Ramirez and Alexandria Luz Enriquez and high jump standout Leonard Grospe as the Games returned after a 10-year hiatus.

The Philippines will host the 2028 edition of the ABG in Cebu.

Castillo’s silver came after two medals of the same color were won by jiu-jitsu bet Emily Thomas and the women’s relay team of Jessica Rose Laurance, Kristina Marie Knott, Lianne Diana Pama, and Shane Poince with the two-bronze snared by Laurance in the 60-meter dash and Kaila Napolis in jiu-jitsu, respectively.