From ABS-CBN News

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The Filipino karatekas suffered a pair of painful losses but are still off to a bright start here in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games at the KLCC Hall 1.

James delos Santos secured a bronze medal in the men’s individual kata.

“This is my redemption from 2013,” said delos Santos, who failed to win a medal four years ago in Myanmar.

Meanwhile, Junna Tsukii also took a bronze in the -50 kg weight division of the women’s kumite, after beating her Burmese foe in the repechage.

On a day when gold medals poured in for the Philippines, two karatekas attempted to add to the nation’s haul.

But Rexor Tacay and Jayson Macaalay suffered heartbreaking losses in their respective gold-medal matches.

Macaalay was matches up against a Malaysian foe in Senthil Al Silvarajao in the -60 kg division of the men’s kumite.

With the final tied at 3-3, Macaalay had an opportunity to silence the boisterous hometown crowd at Hall 1 after what appeared to be a clean hit to his opponent’s head.

But after a protest, Macaalay was not given the full three points. The Malaysian karateka went on to win, 5-3

Meanwhile, Tacay was leading Thailand’s Supa Ngamphuengphit in the gold medal match of men’s kumite -67kg, 5-3, but failed to hold on.

The Thai went on to win, 6-5, against Tacay who impressed en route to the gold medal match with his aggressive style.

More Filipino karatekas will see action Wednesday at KLCC Hall 1.