MANILA, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines posted its best-ever finish in 44 years with a golden performance in wushu on the penultimate day of the 15th Asian Games, local media reported on Friday.

    Four-time world wushu champion Rene Catalan capped a glittering career with a smashing win in the 52-kilogram division final, said a report by The Manila Bulletin daily.

    Undefeated since 2003, the 27-year-old former amateur boxer did not disappoint a wildly-cheering throng who watched his final performance against Vietnamese Quoc Vin Phan, said the report.

    Catalan, too crafty and experienced, brought the taller Quoc down to the canvas thrice in the two-round bout which he won, 10-0, the report said.

    "I dedicate this win to everyone back home, my family and President Macapagal- Arroyo," said Catalan.

    A fifth gold medal did not materialize as Eduard Folayang lost to Chinese favorite Cu Yanfei in the 70-kilogram final.

    The gold-silver finish improved the Philippines' medal tally to four golds, six silvers and nine bronzes, its best collection since winning seven golds, four silvers and 16 bronzes in Jakarta in 1962.

    The Filipinos made their best showing at home in 1954 when they harvested 14 golds, 14 silvers and 17 bronzes.