ATHLETICS president Go Teng Kok yesterday praised Eduardo Buenavista?s fifth-place finish in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, saying the country?s top long-distance runner is in top shape for this year?s Southeast Asian Games in Laos.

The 34-year-old multi-titled SEA Games champion crossed the finish line in two hours, 22 minutes and 53 seconds, just over six minutes behind eventual champion Cyprian Kiogora Mwobi of Kenya.

?His persistency to train even during Christmas break paid off. He is in tip-top shape and his time proved he is a shoo-in for the [marathon] gold medal in Laos. He is set to participate in several international meets as part of his preparations for the SEAG,? said Go.

Buenavista actually even had a better time than China?s Qiang Liu, who completed the 42.195-kilometer race in 2:49:04.

?Masayang-masaya ako kahit fifth lang ang tinapos ko, at least tinalo ko ang mga karibal ko sa SEAG at sa Asia. Medyo mahirap ang course kaya itong time ko ay talagang mahirap bunuin,? said Buenavista, who arrived late Monday night from Hong Kong. Edwin Rollon