Filipina skater Kathryn Magno competes in the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy at the SM Skating Rink at SM Megamall. Photo: Handout

MANILA, Philippines – Filipina skater Kathryn Magno got off to a strong start in the 2014 Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy Tuesday at the SM Skating Rink at SM Megamall, placing third in the first round of the Senior Ladies’ division.

Initially ahead of the pack in the first round, Magno finished with a time of three minutes and six seconds, mere moments later than her opponents.

Finishing in first and second were Korea’s Ji-Hyun Choi and Ju-Young Kim, respectively.

The Asian Open marks the first time that the Philippines is hosting a speed skating competition, as the event is usually held in South Korea or Japan.

Seventy-one delegates from across Asia are competing in the event.

“We are very happy to have the tournament in the Philippines,” said Asian Skating Union president Myong Hi-Chang.

“With having said that this is the first speed skating event of the Philippines, we are very impressed with the SM Skating Rink and the Philippine Skating Union,” said Sonia Chong, an event official for the competition.

The 24-year-old Magno will continue to represent the Philippines today and tomorrow as she vies for first place in the Senior Ladies’ division.

Magno was a former figure skater who recently made the switch to short track speed skating. She hopes to represent the Philippines in the 2018 Winter Olympics.