
ASIAN GAMES 2018:  DIAZ WINS FIRST PH GOLD; CHINA BEATS GILAS 
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 22 Aug 2018

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the first gold medal for the country in the ongoing Asian Games 2018, topping the women's 53-kilograms event in Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday. Diaz lifted 92 kilograms in the snatch and 115 kilograms in the clean and jerk for a total of 207 kilograms.
The 2016 Olympic silver medalist bested Turkeminstan?s Kristina Shermetova, who settled for the silver medal after she was leading by topping the snatch with 93 kilograms.  
Shermetova faltered in an attempt to jerk 116 kilograms and her clean and jerk was only 113 kilograms and was overtaken by Diaz.
Thailand's Surodchana Khambao won the bronze with a total lift of 201 kilograms.
With the win, Diaz is confident that winning the Olympic gold could be achieved.
?I am grateful to God that I won the gold medal that all of us Filipinos dream of,? Diaz said. ?This proves the Olympic gold medal is possible.?
Meanwhile in men's basketball, Zhao Rui converted two free throws with 13 seconds left to lift China in beating Gilas Pilipinas, 82-80, yesterday in Jakarta.
Cleveland Cavaliers' stalwart Jordan Clarkson led the Philippines' assault against the taller Chinese.  Our countrymen was even ahead 80-77 with less than two minutes left in the game.
                                           
For coach Yeng Guiao, the performance was a moral victory. 
?We had a chance to win the game with the last shot but those are the breaks of the game,? Guiao said. ?The effort is really good and I give credit to the boys. To me, this is like a won game.?
Clarkson top-scored for the Gilas with 28 points, with 5 triples to go with 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals as he delivered within expectations.  Christian Standardinger contributed 18 points while Stanley Pringle had 14.  
Houston Rockets? Zhou Qi led China with 25 points.  Dallas Mavericks? Ding Yanyuhang had 7.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION  3 November 2025: Mayer Outpoints Spencer to Unify 154 Belts; Buatsi's Controversial Win Over Parker; Pero Outpoints Thompson; Thrilla in Manila at 50 Results
By Eric Armit,  Tue, 04 Nov 2025Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 1)
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso,  Tue, 04 Nov 2025MATCHROOM BOXING ANNOUNCES HISTORIC ‘LIVE FROM GHANA’ EVENT FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 AS CRAIG RICHARDS AND DAN AZEEZ COLLIDE IN ACCRA – LIVE WORLDWIDE ON DAZN
 Tue, 04 Nov 2025Bryce Mills Defeats James Bernadin  By Unanimous Decision
 Mon, 03 Nov 2025NBA Daily: Wembanyama Struggles as Suns Give Spurs First Loss 130-118
By Reylan Loberternos,  Mon, 03 Nov 2025Oklahoma City Thunder the only undefeated NBA Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero,  Mon, 03 Nov 2025RP Blu Boys Close Out Strong with Unbeaten Record in Japan Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino,  Mon, 03 Nov 2025Pero Outlasts Thompson in Orlando, Secures Unanimous Decision Victory
 Mon, 03 Nov 2025Jonas Magpantay Crowned Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Champion
By Marlon Bernardino,  Mon, 03 Nov 2025Jonas Magpantay reaches Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Finals
By Marlon Bernardino,  Sun, 02 Nov 2025Pistons defeated Mavericks in NBA Game 34 in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero,  Sun, 02 Nov 2025GM Antonio finishes 14th in World Senior Standard event
By Marlon Bernardino,  Sun, 02 Nov 2025NONITO DONAIRE FIGHTS SEIYA TSUTSUMI FOR THE WBA BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE
By Maloney L. Samaco,  Sun, 02 Nov 2025Luka Dončić Equals Wilt Chamberlain’s Historic Scoring Feat
By Gabriel F. Cordero,  Sun, 02 Nov 2025THRILLA IN MANILA II RESULTS: JERUSALEM, TAPALES, MARCIAL LEAD WINNERS
By Eric Armit,  Sun, 02 Nov 2025