KUALA LUMPUR — Kirstie Elaine Alora could not solve the riddle that is Sorn Seavmey as the Filipina jin lost again to her Cambodian rival, 13-6, in the women's -73kg final on Tuesday in the 29th Southeast Asian Games taekwondo competitions at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Alora was still tied with Seavmey at the end of the first round, 1-1, before the Cambodian took control while penalties on the Filipina proved too much to overcome.
Alora lost for the fourth time against Seavmey, including in last year's gold medal match in the Olympic qualifying.
"Nahirapan talaga ako. Ilang beses na niya akong tinalo. I think it's the fourth time. Usually sa finals kami nagtatapat," said Alora.
"I did my best," said Alora, the Philippine flag bearer during the opening ceremonies last week.
"I was trying to score and get some points. Siguro kulang pa rin ng follow ups."
The two-time SEA Games gold medalist also said there were a few calls she felt were questionable.
"'Yung mga calls, hindi ko sure kung ano 'yun but still, referees call. It's a good fight. I did my best. No regrets," Alora added.
"Nasa-shock lang ako sa mga tawag ng refs. Tagal namin siya pinag-aralan. Nung unang round at second round, lamang ako dun. Last round, naging careless din dahil naghahabol ako ng points.
Alora believes Tuesday's performance was the best she has done against Sorn and she will be much more confident when they face off at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.
"I think eto yung pinaka-best fight ko against her," said Alora.
Alora beat Sirimanotham Sonesavanh of Cambodia, 13-2, to arrange a gold medal bout with Sorn.
Francis Aaron Agojo settled for bronze after bowing to Vietnam's Nguyen Van Duy, 30-17, in the semifinal. Agojo reached the final four after beating VA Mithona of Cambodia, 35-4.
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