True to the words of athletics chief Go Teng Kok, to long jumper Maristela Torres went the honor of bagging the first gold for the Philippines Sunday as action in the centerpiece event of track and field got going at the Rizal track oval.

Torres, a 24-year old Army mainstay, outleapt compatriot Lerma Bulauitan-Gabito for a 1-2 Philippine finish that jumpstarted the hosts’ bid in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games.

Reserving her best for last, Torres recorded her longest jump at 6.47 meters in her sixth and final attempt to beat the much-seasoned Bulauitan’s 6.45 meters to the delight of a big Sunday crowd that included First Gentleman Mike Arroyo at the Rizal Memorial track oval.

“I’m very proud. Lalo na’t nalaman ko na ako ang unang Pinoy na nanalo ng ginto,” said Torres, considered the favorite in the event after winning a silver in the tough Asian Athletics Championship last July.

“Mataas ang expectation, siyempre nakakatuwa pero may pressure. Thank God I made it. This is for my kababayans,” said Torres.

Escorted by Go, the first gentleman walked down from the stand to personally congratulate Torres.

“We’re proud of you. Tiayaga lang sa ensayo para may marami pa tayong mapanalunan hindi lang sa SEA Games pati na rin sa iba pang international meet,” Arroyo told Torres.

The First Gentleman also shook the hands of Gabito who failed to improve on her best effort recorded on the second attempt. The former heir apparent fo Elma Muros-Posadas, actually, had a chance to snatch the victory but she faulted on her sixth and last try.

Malaysian Ngew Sin Mei took the bronze with a leap of 6.27 meters.

Although, the winning distance of Torres was way behind her 6.63-meter record registered in the Asian meet in Incheon, South Korea, Go said he is very happy with the performance of her wards, more popularly know as GTK’s Army.

“It’s a double whammy considering that we won the gold and silver medals. As I said even before the meet started, I’m confident that our athletes will make us proud,” said Go.

Torres and Gabito are also entered in the 4x100 meter relay along with veteran Elma Muros and Honey Joy Ortaliz. The final event is scheduled on Tuesday.