Host Team Philippines took advantage of the limited participation of foreign fighters in the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (Wekaf) Championships and tallied its most impressive showing in the 16th edition at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex last July 18 to 22.
The hosts brought home 418 medals, including 141 gold medals, for its best showing in the Wekaf Championships since it started in 1989. Team Philippines also added 139 silvers and 138 bronze medals.
Annjeanete Brilliantes, Jude Oliver Marie Rodriguez, Kate Iccy Solis, ANthony Cris Luna, Bryze Danielle Manaytay and Dexler Bolambao led the charge for Team Philippines with three gold medals each.
On the other hand, Team USA was a distant second with 21 gold medals, 21 silver and 47 bronze, while South Korea got third place with a 3-3-9 haul.
Robert Williams, Kim Everett, Mary Rogers, Alex Salinas, Richard Coley, Valentin Stanev, Cooper Geldmacher, Kenneth Roiles and Doug Elkeron contributed two gold medals each for the US, while Emery Geldmacher, Felix Roiles and Jen Herzog had one each.
Jinkyu Lee won two gold medals for South Korea, while Seongun Byeon had one.
The United Kingdom also got home with three gold medals, courtesy of Barry Littlejohn, while Portugal got two thanks to Ricardo Teixeira. India won a silver and 17 bronze medals, while Switzerland got a silver and a bronze. Germany had two slivers, while Brazil had one bronze.