Long jumper Marestella Torres fouls up during her attempt to finish just fourth in the 16th Asian Games long jump competition Tuesday in Guangzhou.(EPA)

GUANGZHOU – A day after her stunning loss in the women’s long jump in the 16th Asian Games, Marestella Torres wasn’t inclined for interview and wanted to take the next flight home, according to coach Joseph Sy.

Manilla Bulletin

“As of now, she’s not inclined to accept any interview,” said Sy Wednesday.

Torres, 29, fresh from a six-month training in Germany, failed to win a medal in the event she was heavily favored to win Tuesday, a crushing development that could lead to her retirement.

“Sinabi niya sa akin bago magsimula na magre-retire siya pag di siya manalo,” Sy revealed. “Pero wala siguro sa isip niya na matatalo siya.”

Torres, the smallest in the field at five-foot-one, surged on top of the event with an opening 6.49 meters, but twisted her ankle in the second round and failed to complete a legal jump the rest of the way despite going over 6.50 meters a few times.

“It was the first time I saw her (Torres) foul five times,” said Sy, unable to hide his frustration. “Pinapaatras ko na siya ng kaunti, pero iba na ang takbo. Di na niya ma-control ‘yung launch niya.”

Sy blamed Torres’ unfamiliarity with the elevated foul board.

“Medyo sensitive kasi yung paa ni Marestella. Noong naapakan niya ‘yung foul board, may naramdaman na kaagad siya,” said Sy. “Iba kasi ‘yung ginagamit natin sa Pilipinas,” he said.

The pressure to deliver may also have something to do with the unexpected turn of event, conceded Sy.

“Siguro ‘yung mga last two jumps niya. Nakaramdam na siya ng matinding pressure,” said Sy. “It was supposed to be her defining moment. Alam niyang mananalo siya. Pero hindi nangyari.”

Jung Soonok was the shock winner, becoming the first Korean to win the event in 6.53 meters.

Olga Rypakova of Kazakhstan won the silver in 6.50 meters while Yuliya Tarasova of Uzbekistan edged Torres for the bronze for having the next best jump.

What hurt Torres the most, according to Sy, was the poor result of the eventual gold winner.

“Alam niya kasing kayang kaya niya italon ‘yun. Ginagawa niya sa praktis palagi ‘yun,” he said.

Last September, Torres did 6.61 meters to win the silver in a meet in Germany.

Her training in Germany, according to Sy, helped Torres improve her speed, giving her more momentum to launch.

“Napansin ko lang medyo bumaba yung talon niya,” Sy said. “Hindi ko na binago kasi mukhang adjusted na si Marestella."

Sy said he’s hoping that Torres will reconsider and stay on to train for the London Olympics.

“Although I know that she’s already in her peak now, I think she can still compete until she reaches 35. Maganda naman ang alaga niya sa katawan,” said Sy, noting Torres’ well-sculpted body.