Manila, June 22 -- Sydney Sy Tancontian will defend her heavyweight title in the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships starting on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.

The 27-year-old pride of Davao City, daughter of Pilipinas Sambo Federation (PSF) president Paolo Tancontian, is the world No. 1 in the +80kg category.

"Thank God, my father's health has greatly improved and is now addressing the details of the tournament so I can now focus on taking part in the competition," said Sy in a news release Monday.

Sy defeated Mongolian Buyanzaya Ser-Ochir for the gold medal last year in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Teammate Aislynn Yap also ruled the women's -80kg combat class.

"I have alr...