John Cabang Tolentino is one race away from an Asian Games breakthrough.
The Filipino Olympian stormed into the men’s 110-meter hurdles final at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after clocking a season-best 13.58 seconds to finish second in Heat 3 at the Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium.
His time ranked third overall among all finalists, keeping the Philippines firmly in medal contention heading into the championship race.
The performance also gives Tolentino another shot at redemption after finishing fourth in the previous Hangzhou Asian Games, narrowly missing the podium.
At the same time, he is using the Asian Games as another opportunity to chase the qualifying standard for next year’s World Athletics Championships.
“It’s a good way to start, and we will see in the final,” Tolentino said.
“I am excited to go. All injuries are gone, and my workouts have been good. This is also great for my progress toward the World Championships.”
Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association secretary-general Jasper Tanhueco expects a tight battle in the final, where even the smallest mistake could change the outcome.
“It’s going to be a close one. We never know who will win because in hurdles, one small mistake can change the whole race,” the PATAFA official said.
Tanhueco believes Tolentino can still improve on his semifinal performance.
“I believe John can still improve his time, and it’s a good thing that he now knows he has a real chance to win,” said Tanhueco.
The PATAFA official also urged Filipinos to continue supporting Tolentino as he goes for an Asian Games medal.
“All we can do is continue to support him, no matter the outcome. They’re all here to give their best and represent the Philippines well,” added Tanhueco.
Tolentino will race in the men’s 110-meter hurdles final at 7:08 p.m. Philippine time tonight, or 8:08 p.m. in Japan.
After coming within one place of the podium in Hangzhou, Tolentino now gets another chance to finish the job in Nagoya. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
