Just days after qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo nabbed gold Saturday evening (Manila time) in the 49th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.

Yulo scored 15.300 in the men's floor exercise final -- 8.800 in execution and 6.500 in difficulty -- in besting Artem Dolgopyat of Israel and Xiao Ruoteng of China.

The 19-year-old Yulo is the second Filipino athlete to punch a ticket to Tokyo. Pole vaulter EJ Obiena cleared the Olympic standard last September.

Yulo's victory is the first gymnastics championship for the Philippines, which is seeking its first Olympic gold.

"I am speechless because I did not expect to win because I thought the Israeli's score was far too high," admitted Yulo. "But I wanted to show everyone what I could do so I just wanted to do my best. I'm really happy."

"I am happy for Caloy because all his hard work and sacrifice paid off," said Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya. "Actually he has done better in practice so I was confident about his performance."

During the post-event interview, Yulo paid tribute to Kugimiya by taking off the gold medal and draping it around the Japanese mentor's neck.

"I had more confidence now with my landing than the one in the all-around Finals on Friday. That was huge," said Yulo. "It was God who gave me this gold because I could not have done it on my own."

The golden finish also ensured that Gymnastics Association of the Philippines protege will see action in two men's artistic gymnastics events in the Tokyo Olympic Games.

"I'm a bit scared now," admitted Yulo, knowing that he would be a marked man in the event in the Tokyo Olympics.

"Caloy's (Yulo's nickname) victory will have a huge impact on Philippine gymnastics since he have proven that we can produce world champions in the sport," GAP president Cynthia Carrion pointed out. "We hope that we will get more supporters for the sport now with his success."

Back home, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez praised Yulo's performance, saying: "We are thrilled with the golden performance with Yulo at the world champs. President Rodrigo Duterte is happy, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and (former Special Assistant to the President and) Sen. Bong Go have been monitoring the competition.

"The Office of the President and the PSC family congratulates Caloy on this achievement. Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino!"

"We would to congratulate Caloy Yulo and the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines in producing a world champion. His hard work and dedication paid off," echoed Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino. "His accomplishment should inspire our other athletes to do well in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in December."