By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA—Jayuard Alciso breezed past compatriot Toby Espejon to formalize the Philippines' bronze medal in the Asian Games men's shortboard surfing event on Tuesday at Pacific Long Beach in Tahara, Japan.
Alciso beat Espejon 11.64-8.9 in the consolation match for third place, as the former cleared bigger waves to get the better of his fellow Filipino surfer.
The Philippines assured itself a medal with both Alciso and Espejon making the semifinals, but foreign opponents completely spoiled an all-Filipino final.
Hometown favorite Kanoa Igarashi eliminated Espejon 18.33-5.83 in one semifinal, while Alciso dropped a heartbreaker against Ariyana Pajar of Indonesia 13.6-12.37 in the other Final 4 duel.
