Marestella Torres gives the Philippines a much-needed boost ahead of the Southeast Asian Games when she captured the long jump gold during the Asian Athletics Championship in Guangzhou, China Wednesday. Her winning leap was 6.51 meters.

Marestella Torres ended a 22-year gold medal drought in the Asian track and field championships when she ruled the women’s long jump Tuesday at the Guangdong Olympic Center in Guangzhou, China.

Torres, a 28-year-old veteran, leaped 6.51 meters in difficult conditions to beat Chinese Chen Yaling and Japanese Sachiko Masumi who each could only manage 6.28 meters.

The Filipina entered the event as a darkhorse with Chen expected to win before home fans who braved the rains and stiff winds that marred the opening day.

But after Torres made the winning jump on her third attempt, the Chinese coach approached national coach Joseph Sy to congratulate him.

“Nang makatalon si Marestella ng 6.51 sa third jump, kinamayan na ako ng Chinese coach, alam nya, mahihirapan ang ibang athletes na humabol sa ganung condition ng panahon,” recalled Sy who headed the token five-man delegation.

It was a remarkable showing for Torres whose best finish in the event was third during the 2002 Asian championship in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The last time the Philippines won in the Asian event came in 1987 when the legendary Lydia de Vega completed a sprint double in Singapore.

Torres is the defending Southeast Asian Games champion and one of the country’s medal hopes next month in Laos.

Sy said Torres is motivated to perform well and look forward to the SEA Games.

“Na-correct lang namin ang mga dapat maayos para mas maganda ang maging performance nya,” he said.

Torres was set to return last night, leaving teammates Julius Sermona, Rene Herrera, Rosie Villarito and Julius Nierres to continue the country’s campaign.

The team took part on shoestring budget after the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) turned down its financial request.

Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) president Go Teng Kok said he was able to raise P300,000 to send the team to the event.

Go, who is not in good terms with PSC chairman Harry Angping, said Torres’ victory is a vindication of sort for his program that has drawn criticisms from many quarters.

"We are now setting our sights not only on the Asian Games, but also the World Championships," said Go, who cited that the Chinese jumper Torres beat is ranked No. 9 in the world.

Go lamented that the PSC used as a basis the athletes' performance last May, overlooking the fact that athletes should peak in November and December.

"The PSC should have realized that the athletes cannot peak early," he said. (With reports from Tempo Sports News)