BANTAY, Ilocos Sur -- A record-breaking performance that had all the trappings of a classic saved the opening day of the 2018 Palarong Pambansa marred by a pair of controversies.
Ann Katherine Quitoy carved out a slice of history after setting a new record in the secondary girls javelin throw on Monday, registering 45.72 meters which are nearly three meters ahead of the previous record held by Sylvian Faith Abunda of Bukidnon (42.85 meters). Her milestone overshadowed the issues in the secondary girls 3000-meter run and the secondary boys basketball.
Earlier that day, Lheslie de Lima of Bicol region snared the first gold in athletics thanks in part to the officials, who failed to ring the bell that would have signaled the final lap of the race at the Quirino Stadium.
The 13-year-old student of Baao National High School, a close relative of Jailed Sen. Leila De Lima, clocked 10 minutes and six seconds to edge out Camila Tubiano of Northern Mindanao by a whisker (10:07.07).
The two went toe-to-toe in the homestretch of the race needed an extra 400 meters to determine the victor.
"They didn't hear the bell. There's something wrong with the officials," said Tubiano's coach, Maricel Avicel. "Of course, I think my runner had that chance to win the gold. But we'll just wait for our further steps."
Over at the San Juan court, Zamboanga put its 88-52 loss to Calabarzon under protest after the latter wore different jerseys during their basketball match.
Officials are currently reviewing the match and are expected to have a decision Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Algin Gomez of Cagayan Valley ruled the long jump competition after registering 6.96 meters.
Mimaropa bet James Meim (6.88 meters) and Lowell Batobalani (6.78 meters) nabbed silver and bronze, respectively.
In the secondary boys javelin throw, National Capital Region standout Christian Ampong bagged the gold medal with a heave that went as far as 58.51 meters.
John Paul Sarmiento of Mimaropa came in second with 53.87 meters, while Socsargen's Jhon Tumulak registered 53.66 meters to place third.
Over at the University of Northern Philippines grounds, Rashied Burdeos topped the elementary girls shotput with a 10.13-meter finish.
Burdeos beat rivals and Western Visayas stalwarts Rhealyn De Costa (10.11 meters) and Hanna Apdo (9.76 meters).
In the elementary boys triple jump event, NCR's Adrian Samudio copped the gold with an 11.46-meter leap.
Western Visayas's Gerevil Gacita (11.35 meters) and Allandrei Baniago from Central Luzon (11.25 meters) came in second and third, respectively.