Olympic boxer Hergie Bacyadan qualified to the semifinals of the women’s kickboxing event in the Chengdu World Games.
Hergie Bacyadan is on the cusp of adding to the Philippines’ medal haul in the World Games in Chengdu, qualifying to the semifinals of the women’s K1 70-kilogram event.
Bacyadan, who competed in boxing during last year's Olympics, shifted to kickboxing in the World Games and beat Hungary's Valentina Keri to advance, 3-0.
The Kalinga province native identifies as a transgender man but competes in the women’s division of competitions as he is not undergoing any hormone replacement therapy, which makes him eligible to face cisgender women.
Much like in the Olympics, Bacyadan is thus facing cis women in his bid for a medal.
Against Keri, Bacyadan regained composure after a tight first round where he took advantage of his height and reach advantage, now setting up a semis duel against Portugal’s Catarina Dias on Wednesday.
“I will do my best and study my opponent,” said Bacyadan.
Dias heads into her fight against Bacyadan after beating Brazil’s Carolina Sousa Santos, 3-0, in her own quarterfinals showdown.
As of this writing, the Philippines has two confirmed medalists — Kaila Napolis’ silver in jiu-jitsu, and Carlos Baylon Jr.’s bronze in wushu sanda.
The Philippines has yet to win a gold in this year’s edition but is in the running for one after cue artist Chezka Centeno qualified for the 10-ball women's Finals.