PATTAYA -- DIEGO Lorenzo, the Philippine bet in equestrian’s show jumping event, settled for the silver medal in individual competition Wednesday night in the 24th Southeast Asian Games here.

But Lorenzo’s silver finish was good enough, considering that the 17-year-old student of International School, who rode KC Discovery, came into the battle barely recovered from dengue, according to Mitos Belofsky, secretary general of the Philippine Equestrian Federation, Belofsky said they had sent three athletes here, but were hounded by many problems, including the athletes’ health.

Belofsky added they were asked to use a reserve horse, because the horse they brought did not pass the horse inspection, usually done by the veterinarian of the host country and the jury.

Only seven riders actually qualified for the event, including eventual gold winner Qabil Ambak of Malaysia and compatriot Syed Omar Almohdzar, and bronze medalist Pongsiree “Pu Kai” Bunluewong of Thailand.

Two other Filipinos -- Mateo Lorenzo and Daniela Virata -- failed to qualify in the team event of the competition held at the Horseshoe Point of this resort haven.

Article taken from http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=106729