Gallant Sam Catantan falls to top-seeded Arianna Errigo, ends Paris Olympics run

Sam Catantan put up a brave stand, but ultimately fell to world no. 2 and top-seeded Arianna Errigo of Italy, 15-12, in their Table of 32 bout in the women's foil individual on Sunday at the Grand Palais.

Catantan, who was coming off a stellar 15-13 victory against Brazilian Mariana Pistoia in the Table of 64, thus ended her dream run at the Summer Games while Errigo will move on to the Table of 16.

Despite the result, the 22-year-old Catantan made sure to give Errigo a run for her money. 

The Philippine bet, who ranks no. 266 in the world, initially soared back from four points down in the opening round, scoring five straight points to take a 5-4 cushion against a much taller foe. 

Errigo, who parades a wealthy Olympic experience, then unleashed a strong second round showing and established a 13-9 lead after back-to-back lunges in the final seven seconds of the frame. 

Catantan refused to surrender and trimmed the deficit to just two, 12-14, before Errigo nailed the game-winning attack to complete a hard-fought victory. 

READ MORE | Philippines at the 2024 Paris Olympics

—JKC, GMA Integrated News