Defending champion Sydney Sy and world-ranked Jomary Torres beat their respective foes in contrasting fashion to enter the finals of their events at the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Sy dominates in women's sports sambo +80kg
Not wanting to disappoint her hometown fans at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Sy swept past New Zealand's Lilly Houben 5-0 in the women's sports sambo +80-kilogram division semifinals. Sy will seek to retain her crown against Kazakhstan's Arailym Abenova, the 2021 edition champion in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Abenova forced Mongolia's Sarangoo Ganbold to tap out seconds into their own semifinal match.
Torres advances in women's combat sambo 50kg
Ranked No. 7 in the world, Torres held off Kyrgyzstan's Dilbara Raimzhanova 7-2 in the women's 50kg combat sambo semifinals to remain in the gold hunt. Torres will face Kazakhstan's Daidry Paiyz, who defeated Mongolia's Erdenet-od Byambajav in the other semifinal. The meet is held under the aegis of the National Sports Tourism Interagency Committee and organized by the Pilipinas Sambo Federation Inc., backed by Victory Liner.
Espolong earns silver in debut
The Philippines earned another silver late Friday from newcomer Christine Angelic Espolong, who lost 8-0 to Kazakhstan's Zarina Yergen in the women's combat sambo 59kg division. "This was an amazing experience for me despite the loss. I truly enjoyed although I only had two weeks to prepare for the match," said Espolong, whose original combat sport is muay thai.
Match details: Sy's tactical win
After sizing up her opponent, Sy made her move early in the five-minute match, winning her first point before pinning Houben at around 3:09 for four points. The New Zealander tried to turn the tide, but the Filipina grappler used her experience and weight to wriggle out of danger.
Torres holds off late rally
Torres struck telling blows and pinned her Kyrgyz opponent to build a 7-0 lead, only to see Raimzhanova counter with five straight points in an effort to come back. Torres wisely evaded her rallying rival in the final seconds to preserve the win.
