The 2023 Musclecontest International Philippines Pro was held on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Subic Bay, Philippines. Of the six IFBB Pro League athletes competing, Joven Sagabain emerged victorious.
Sagabain also earned a 2024 Men’s Physique Olympia qualification along with his win. Alejandro Ruiz Borrego took second overall, and bronze went to Jinyu Xu. The final standings are below:
2023 Musclecontest International Philippines Pro Results
- Joven Sagabain (Philippines)
- Alejandro Ruiz Borrego (Spain)
- Jingyu Xu (China)
- Harvey Devanadera (Philippines)
- Jian Song (China)
- Bum Su Park (South Korea)
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Winner — Joven Sagabain
The pre-judging round was the only scored round of this competition. Sagabain received all first-place votes on the judges’ scorecards. The head judge for this contest was Tamer El Guindy.
Sagabain is prepping for the 2023 Men’s Physique Olympia in Orlando, FL, on Nov. 2-5, 2023. He earned that qualification via his 2023 Tokyo Pro win. He aims to crack into the top 15 at the Olympia, which failed to do in 2022 in Las Vegas, NV. This win now allows Sagabain to compete in his third Olympia in 2024.
Second Place — Alejandro Ruiz Borrego
Alejandro turned pro in 2018. This is his highest finish to date. His best finish before this show was seventh in the 2018 Sacramento Pro. He received all second-place votes on the judges scorecards. He was the only European competitor in the lineup.
Third Place — Jingyu Xu
China’s Jingyu Xu was the unanimous third-place finisher in the eyes of the judges. He showed the potential for a top-podium finish in the future. Sagabain and Borrego’s experience may have been the difference that contributed to their higher placings. Expect Jingyu Xu to do well in future contests.
Other Notes
Khrisna Purnama Putra of Indonesia was on the roster but did not appear onstage. No reason was given for his absence.
This was one of four pro shows held on the weekend of Oct. 21-22, 2023. Isai Kesek won the 2023 Moe’s Muscle New Zealand Pro in Auckland, NZ, Carlos DeOliveira was the champion of the 2023 Hurricane Pro, and Emile Walker placed first in the 2023 Fitness Authority Poland Muscle Fest Pro.
Featured image: @joven_sagabain on Instagram
