Aira Villegas Triumphs in Opening Bout, Advances to Round of 16 at Paris Olympics

PARIS – Aira Villegas marked a victorious start for the Philippines’ five-member boxing team at the Paris Olympics, securing a unanimous decision over Morocco’s Yasmine Mouttaki in the women’s 500-kilogram division early Monday, according to Philippine time.

According to Philippines News Agency, The judges scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28 in favor of the 28-year-old Olympics Solidarity scholar. Villegas is set to face Algeria’s Roumaysa Boualam in the round of 16 on August 2 at 2:16 a.m. (PH time) at the North Paris Arena.

Following Villegas, Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Nesthy Petecio will compete in the women’s 57kg category at 11:54 p.m. on Tuesday (PH time). Other members of the Philippine team include swimmer Kayla Sanchez in the women’s 100m freestyle heat and Joanie Delgaco in the rowing quarterfinals.

The Philippine contingent will continue its efforts with Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Eumir Marcial (men’s 80kg), Hergie Bacyadan (women’s 75kg), and Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Carlo Paalam (men’s 57kg) all scheduled to compete on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, female gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar, and Emma Malabuyo did not advance past the qualification phase on Sunday. As of the latest update, Japan and Australia are leading the medal tally with four golds each, followed closely by the United States, France, South Korea, and China with three golds apiece. Other countries including Italy, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Germany, Hong Kong, and Uzbekistan have secured one gold each.