SOCHI Winter Olympian Michael Martinez is all geared up for more journeys in international circuit as he proved his long-standing might in the 16th National Figure Skating Championship at the SM Megamall ice-skating rink in Mandaluyong City.
Martinez was the lone entry in the men’s senior division of the country’s top figure skating tournament. The 20-year-old athlete accumulated 182.21 points to easily take his category.
The first Southeast Asian figure skater to compete in the Winter Games will be flying to Croatia in the Golden Spins of Zagreb International Championships on December 5.
“I just need rest to recover and prepare of the Zagreb event. There are still a lot to improve in my program,” said Martinez, the No. 31 skater in the world.
His Russian coach, Slava Zagor, added that he is hopeful that the conditioning of his protégé will be on a high gear when the competition starts. Top skaters in the world are expected to join the Zagreb tourney.
“I am confident that Michael will perform well with proper guidance in his technique and routines,” Zagor said.
Meanwhile, Alisson Krystle Perticheto of the Philippine Skating Union scored 131.75 points to trounce Samantha Cabile (112.62) in the senior’s ladies division.
In the junior ladies category, Sofia Isabel Guidote took the title with her routine worth 94.02 points. Elia Mariel Mendoza (76.21) and Buffy Brown Clomo (67.01) finished second and third, respectively.
In the junior men’s, Yamato Rowe (132.2) dispatched Jules Vince Alpe (118.41) to bag the crown.
Other winners include Aiko Marie Shibata of Manila Figure (basic novice A), Andreanne Jaye Ariones of Metro Ice (basic novice B), Diane Gabrielle Panlilio of Manila Figure (advanced novice) and Diane Gabrielle Panlilio of Manila Figure (advanced novice).