Acuna breaks own record in Asiad shooting qualifier

By Peter Atencio

AMPARO Teresa Acuna achieved another milestone on her 26th birthday on Saturday during the fi nal leg of the Asian Games’ Qualifying season at the Philippine Marine Shooting Range in Taguig.

Acuna once again set another record when she surpassed the qualifying standard for the Hangzhou Asian Games, by breaking the Philippine mark she set last April at 583 points in the 50-meter rifle 3-position event.

Officials of the Philippine National Shooting Association confirmed Acuna’s feat, which was a point ahead of the previous mark she made at 582 during the tryouts for the national team two months ago.

“Into the habit of breaking rec ords, Amparo set, yet again another personal best and surpassed the

Asian games’ criteria and sealed her place as our top rifle shooter today in the last leg of the Asian Games Qualifying season,” said Philippine National Shoo ting Association secretary general Iryne Garcia in a statement on the PNSA’s official page.

Acuna is not only preparing to see action in the Asiad, she is also set to join a series of qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

So far, her Olympic ranking has moved to 136 following her participation in the recent World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan last month.

“Yes! I qualified twice so I’m really locked in already,” said Acuna in an interview with the Manila Standard.

She is also seeking qualification in the 10-meter women’s air rifle event with her Olympic Qualification ranking of 153.

Joining Acuna in the quest for a slot to the Paris Olympiad is Franchette Qu iroz, who is at no. 138 in the women’s 10-meter air pistol action.

The pre-World Cup camp set at the Western Sydney Wanderers Complex, began Saturday.

Araneta recalled that the Filipinas managed to score a win over the Ferns, 2-1, in a friendly played in the United States in September last year.

“Hopefully, with the experience that they have, they will do well,” said Araneta.

Co-captains Hali Long and Tahnai Annis are among the players listed.

The roster will be cut to 23 within the month, in time for the Filipinas’ coming games.

Last week, the squad got a lift when the Filipinas’ FIFA world ranking jumped from No. 49 to No. 46.

The ranking was a historic achievement as the Filipinas were at no. 53 at the end of last year.

Among the players in the list are goalkeepers Kiara Fontanilla, Kaiya Jota, Olivia McDaniel and Inna Palacios.

Written as defenders are Maya Alcantara, Alicia Barker, Angela Beard, Reina Bonta, Malea Cesar, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, Hali Long and Dominique Randle.

The midfielders are Tahnai Annis, Ryley Bugay, Anicka Castañeda, Sara Eggesvik, Kaya Hawkinso, Eva Madarang, Jessica Miclat, Isabela Pasion, Quinley Quezada and Jaclyn Sawicki.

The forwards are Sarina Bolden, Isabella Flanigan, Carleigh Frilles, Katrina Guillou, Chandler McDaniel and Meryll Serrano. Peter Atencio