MANILA – Boxer Annie Albania scored the country’s first gold medal in this year’s Asian Indoor Games (AIG) at the Bacninh Gymnasium in Vietnam on Wednesday.

Albania outpointed Thailand’s Sopida Satumrum in the finals of the women’s bantamweight division, 12 to 4.

The Filipina dominated the Thai, scoring most of her points in Rounds 3 and 4.

Her comrade Mitchel Martinez was not as lucky.

Martinez bowed to China's Cheng Dong in the finals of the women’s light welterweight division. 

Cheng out scored Martinez, 18-3.

RP is looking for its best AIG finish this year after winning just 1 gold medal in each of its campaign in the 2005 inaugurals in Bangkok and in the 2007 games in Macau behind the Filipino muay thai bets.

The Philippines has so far secured two bronze medals courtesy of Josie Gabuco in pinweight and Biboy Rivera in the men’s singles in bowling.

Sanshou 48-kilogram fighter Jennifer Lagilag later assured another bronze for Team RP as she advanced to the semis through the luck of draw.

“So far so good,” RP chief of mission Julian Camacho said earlier.

“Our athletes in muay, bowling, wushu, swimming and chess are still competing and remain possible contenders. I truly believe we are headed into a good showing this year.” With a report from The Philippine Star