By Kristel Satumbaga

AJ Lim and Jeson Patrombon failed to arrange an all-Filipino final in the men’s singles of the 30^th Southeast Asian Games tennis competition on Thursday after yielding to Vietnamese foes at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Jeson Patrobon (Philippines) against Ly Hoang Nam of Vietnam during the tennis semi finals singles of 30th SEA Games (Ali Vicoy)

The 20-year-old Lim succumbed to top seed Daniel Cao Nguyen 6-3, 6-4 while fifth seed Jeson Patrombon bowed to 2017 Kuala Lumpur bronze medalist Ly Hoang Nam 5-7, 6-1, 6-3.

Patrombon appeared headed to victory after a 3-all tie in the third set when Nguyen held his serve for a 4-3 lead.

The 26-year-old former top local junior netter stumbled into errors in the eighth game to drop his serve before Nguyen commanded the ninth for the win.

Denise Dy and Khim Iglupas also fell short in the women’s quarters after losing to Patcharin Cheapchandej and Luksika Kumkhum of Thailand 6-1, 6-0.

Meanwhile, top seed Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales advanced to the men’s doubles semis after a 6-3, 6-3 win over Malaysia’s Mohd Adam Das Shamirul Shahril Syed and Mohamad Agil Naguib.

They face the winner between fourth pick Jirat Navasirisomboon and Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul of Thailand and Indonesia’s Ari Fahresi and Muhammad Rifqi Fritriadi, who are playing at press time.

Francis Casey Alcantara and Patrombon also cruised to the semis with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Indonesia’s David and Ignatius Susanto.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Erma Edera

The women’s bowling team still needs to end a long gold medal drought for the Philippines after they came up empty-handed in the 30th Southeast Asian games bowling women’s doubles match held at the Coronado Lanes, Starmall EDSA in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday.

Players of the Philippine Women’s Bowling Team compete in the doubles division during the SEA Games 2019 Women’s Bowling doubles finals at Mandaluyong City. (PHOTO/ ALVIN KASIBAN)

Partners Liza Del Rosario and Lara Posadas-Wong fell way short after finishing fourth with a combined total of 2396 pinfalls in the six-game series.

“Frustrating para sa amin dahil alam mo yun binibigay mo yung lahat tapos di namin nakukuha yung result na gusto namin but marami pa naman kaming events, tuloy pa rin yung laban namin,” Del Rosario said after their game.

Multi-titled kegler Del Rosario bowled a total of 1243 while Wong’s effort of 1153 pinfalls but these weren’t enough to lift the pair inside the top 3.

Other PH bets Alexis Sy and Bea Hernandez wound up at 6^th place in the 14-team field, combining for 2384.

Sy and Hernandez had a solid start of 404 but could not sustain the effort in the succeeding games.

Hernandez believes that they still have good games ahead.

 “I think for us it’s still a good game because we can control everything but one thing we can take out from today as a positive is that we are step closer…we still have a lot of events so we can still keep pushing and eventually get to our goal,” she said.

Philippine champion Sy assured that they would still get medals in their upcoming events.

“Since mixed doubles tomorrow, dalawa maglalaro sa morning, dalawa maglalaro sa afternoon, for sure magkakaroon ng medal for the next events. Hindi pa kami tapos,” Sy said.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Sharon Limansantoso and Tannya Roumimper led the women’s doubles match bidders after combining 2552 pinfalls while New Hui Fen and Shayna Ng of Singapore took home the silver with 2476 pinfalls.

Malaysians Sin Li Jane and Esther Cheah got the bronze with 2458.

The Philippines emerged overall champion in the sport when it last hosted the SEA Games 14 years ago,  winning four gold and six silver medals.

The country’s bowling team will try their luck again at the mixed doubles events on Thursday.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By WAYLON GALVEZ

 

Games Thursday (Mall of Asia Arena)

12noon – Cambodia vs Thailand (Men’s)

2:15 p.m. – Vietnam vs Singapore (Men’s)

6 p.m. – Philippines vs Indonesia (Women’s)

8:15 p.m. – Indonesia vs Malaysia (Men’s)

Gilas Pilipinas in pre-SEAG practice.

As expected, it was a blowout win for Gilas Pilipinas.

Despite limited preparation time, it didn’t take long for the national team to display its strength as the Filipinos pummeled Singapore 110-58 at the start of basketball competition in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Troy Rosario led a balanced attack with 15 points off the bench, while Vic Manuel – in his first stint with the national team – and Stanley Pringle contributed 14 points apiece.

Gilas mentor Tim Cone pointed to the defensive effort the players displayed following a rough start on the offensive end. Overall, the national team converted nearly 60 percent of its shots while holding Singapore to below 33 percent shooting from the field.

SBP executive director Sonny Barrios. (Waylon Galvez)

“I think this team will get better. We’ll become a better team. We’ll be more coordinated defensively,” said Cone, who had less than two months to prepare the squad for the biennial meet.

“When Chris Ross (at the start of the game) blocked the shot of one of their best players, that kind of sent the message that we’re out here to play defense. We know we’re going to be a great offensive team, but the thing we demanded on them is play better on defense.”

Mengleon Kwek Wei led Vietnam with 10 points.

From 30-13, the Nationals – playing in Group A – started to pull away in the second period to take a commanding 48-28 advantage at halftime break.

Ross was scoreless as he missed his single field goal attempt but his almost 20 minutes of play had him issue 10 assists with five rebounds. Matthew Wright had 13 points while June Mar Fajardo – the reigning five-time PBA Most Valuable Player – added 12 points.

Despite the 52-point win, Cone said he’s not expecting too much that the next matches of Gilas would result to easy wins. He said that the next games would be tougher – especially during in the knockout stage.

“It’s a real honor and to coach such a high powered team,” said Cone. “But we want to make sure that we respect the game, and play right way. No fooling around, we’re not trash talking our opponents.”

TNT coach Bong Ravena with wife Mozzy. (Waylon Galvez)

The national team takes a break Thursday, and then returns to action on Friday versus Vietnam.

In the history of the regional meet, the Philippines ruled the SEA Games basketball event 17 out of 19 times. The only setback came in 1979 and 1989 both against the Malaysians.

The event was not included in 2005, when the country hosted the SEA Games but the local basketball federation was suspended at that time by FIBA, while in 2009, the lack of facility in Laos forced organizers to drop basketball in the calendar of events.

Meantime, Thailand – bronze medalist two years ago in the SEA Games – also hammered a convincing win against SEA Games silver medalist Indonesia 98-76 in Group B action.

Leelapipalkul led the Thais with 18 points, while Tyler Lamb added 16 points and Ananti Chitchai had 14 points.

In the first game, Vietnam’s Tam Dinh Thanh and An Du Minh combined for 46 points to power their team to a 131-52 win over Myanmar. Phu Vinh Nguyen Huynh contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds.

In women’s action, 2017 SEA Games silver medalist Thailand opened its campaign with a 70-47 triumph against defending champion Malaysia. Christine Bias Tiffany led Thailand with 24 points.

The women’s national team will see action Thursday against Indonesia to start it own campaign in this SEA Games.

The Scores:

PHILIPPINES 110 – Rosario 15, Manuel 14, Pringle 14, Wright 13, Fajardo 12, Slaughter 9, Aguilar 9, Standhardinger 8, Lassiter 7, Ravena 6, Tenorio 3, Ross 0.

SINGAPORE 58 – Wei M. K. 10, Kok 8, Qing 8, Zhong 8, Wei L. W. 6, V Lavin 5, Vignesh 4, Lary 3, Isaac 0, Xingyuan 0, Chin 0.

Quarters: 30-13; 48-28; 77-48; 110-58.

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Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Game Thursday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
6 p.m. – Philippines vs Indonesia

There’s no room for Gilas Pilipinas to make a small error as it begins the quest to win the elusive gold against Indonesia in women’s basketball of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Pinay cagers open the single-round competition at 6 p.m. with coach Pat Aquino hoping to see her team beat the Indonesian squad that took home the bronze medal two years ago in Kuala Lumpur.

Aquino is hoping that the homecourt advantage will benefit Gilas Women as it aims to win all three matches in the competition.

Only four teams participated in the women’s side with Malaysia eager to defend its crown and Thailand seeking its first gold since the 2013 Games in Nay Pyi Taw.

“We hope na makuha natin yung elusive gold na yun. We’ll just take it one game at a time,” said Aquino.

Afril Bernardino, Jack Animam, Janine Pontejos and Clare Castro are expected to enter the tourney in good form after steering the Philippines to gold in the women’s 3×3 event last Monday at The Arena in San Juan.

Other members of the team are Ria Nabalan, Chack Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Kelli Hayes, Gemma Miranda, Eunique Chan and Danica Jose. (Jonas Terrado)

Action in the distaff side began at press time with Malaysia facing Thailand at the same venue.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Game Thursday
(Binan Football Stadium, Laguna)
8 p.m. — Vietnam vs Phiippines

The Philippines tries to score an semifinal upset of defending champion Vietnam and secure a historic place in the women’s football finals of 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Binan Football Stadium in Laguna.

The national women’s football team shoots for a semifinal win against Vietnam on Thursday. (Photo from the Philippine women’s football team)

The odds are stacked against the Malditas in the 8 p.m. kickoff as they take on a Vietnamese side that has won all six matches against the Philippines by a combined score of 31-1 in the biennial meet since the inaugural women’s football tilt in 1985.

Coach Let Dimzon, however, believes her team can put up a fight against Vietnam, which topped Group B.

Dimzon will bank on striker Sarina Bolden, who scored a hat trick in the Malditas’ 5-0 thrashing of Malaysia last Friday.

Also key are Shai del Campo, Sara Castaneda, Cam Rodriguez and goalkeeper Inna Palacios.

Vietnam will be led by Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung, Nguyen Thi Van and Nhu Huynh, who had two goals each in last week’s 6-0 beating of Indonesia.

Thailand and Group A winner Myanmar face off in the other semifinal match also set 8 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The bronze medal and gold medal matches are slated Sunday at the Rizal pitch.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

Rene Catalan hopes to make an impact in sambo in the 30th Southeast Asian Games (ONE Championship photo)

CLARKFIELD, Pampanga—Former world wushu champion Rene Catalan and MMA standout Mark Striegl will banner the Philippines in the sambo competitions of the 30^th Southeast Asian Games that gets going Thursday at the Angeles University Foundation in Angeles City.

The 40-year-old Catalan even figured in a major MMA fight early last month but is nonetheless upbeat about his chances in the 57 kg combat event of the Russian sport that is widely taught among military personnel dating back to the days of the former USSR.

Striegl, 31, meanwhile, will see action in the 74 kg also in combat.

There will be six gold medals up for grabs in the sport that is a staple among the world’s biggest names in mix martial arts, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, the current UFC lightweight champion, and ex-UFC titleholder Oleg Taktarov.

The other Filipino entries include Helen Aclopen, Charisse Andal, Mariane Mariano, Miguel Cazenas, Patrick Dos Santos, Andre Kim, Patrick Paul Manicad, Jose Rene Mondejar and Chino Sy.

Fil-Am Brandon Vera, formerly the ONE FC heavyweight champion, is said to be lending a hand to the Philippine squad.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Betheena Kae Unite

The Philippine women’s volleyball team yielded to Vietnam in the women’s volleyball opener of the 30th SEA Games at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, Dec. 3, 2019. (Betheena Unite)

Filipino courage and heart are expected to be in full display when the national women’s volleyball team guns for an upset win against 11-time Southeast Asian Games defending champion Thailand Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Falling short in their game debut against Vietnam, the Filipinas try to bounce back and overcome the most celebrated volleyball team in the region, noting that “nothing is impossible if we put our hearts in the game.”

“Nakaka-excite talaga (It’s really exciting) but I think, one thing we’ve learned today is that walang imposible kung sino man makakalaban namin (nothing is impossible whoever we face),”said national team standout Alyssa Valdez.

“Kung sino ang magbibigay ng buong buong puso sa laban, yun siguro yung mananalo (Whoever puts their heart in the game will win),” Valdez said, stressing that the attitude and mental toughness towards the game will play an important role in pulling an upset against Thailand.

Winning a set against Thailand during the ASEAN Grand Prix was a good sign for the nationals, team captain Aby Marano said, adding that they will take on the Pleumjit Thinkaow-led squad inspired and excited.

“Excited kami kasi last ASEAN Grand Prix kasi nakakuha kami ng isang set sa kanila so ibig sabihin kaya, may pag-asa –gagawin naming motivation yon going against them (We are excited because we won a set against them during the last ASEAN Grand Prix which means that we have a chance and we will use it as a motivation going against them),” Marano said.

A win against Vietnam could have put the Philippines in better position to achieve its goal of a podium finish.

National  coach Shaq delos Santos admitted they played inconsistently throughout their last game.

“I think the best that we can do right now is to focus on our next game — Thailand. We will have to think about going up against them first before thinking about the result because once we work on it one at a time, I think we will get a good result. So, we cannot worry about a lot of things at the same time,” Delos Santos said.

Source: Manila Bulletin

 Games Thursday (Mall of Asia Arena)

12 noon – Cambodia vs Thailand (Men’s)

2:15 p.m. – Vietnam vs Singapore (Men’s)

6 p.m. – Philippines vs Indonesia (Women’s)

8:15 p.m. – Indonesia vs Malaysia (Men’s)

 

By  WAYLON GALVEZ

 

As expected, it was a blowout win for Gilas Pilipinas.

Despite limited preparation time, it didn’t take long for the national team to display its strength as the Filipinos pummeled Singapore with a masterful 110-58 win at the start of basketball action in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Vic Manuel (left) and Chris Ross in the Gilas practice. (Rio Deluvio)

Troy Rosario led a balanced attack for the national team with 15 points off the bench, while Vic Manuel – in his first stint with the national team – and Stanley Pringle contributed 14 points apiece.

Gilas mentor Tim Cone pointed to the defensive effort the players displayed following a rough start on the offensive end. Overall, the national team converted nearly 60 percent of its shots while holding Singapore to below 33 percent shooting from the field.

“I think this team will get better. We’ll become a better team. We’ll be more coordinated defensively,” said Cone, who had less than two months to prepare the squad for the biennial meet.

“When Chris Ross (at the start of the game) blocked the shot of one of their best players, that kind of sent the message that we’re out here to play defense. We know we’re going to be a great offensive team, but the thing we demanded on them is play better on defense.”

Mengleon Kwek Wei led Vietnam with 10 points.

TNT coach Bong Ravena with wife Mozzy Ravena. (Waylon Galvez)

From 30-13, the Nationals – playing in Group A – started to pull away in the second period to take a commanding 48-28 advantage at halftime break.

Ross was scoreless as he missed his single field goal attempt but his almost 20 minutes of play had him issue 10 assists with five rebounds. Matthew Wright had 13 points while June Mar Fajardo – the reigning five-time PBA Most Valuable Player – added 12 points.

Despite the 52-point win, Cone said he’s not expecting too much that the next matches of Gilas would result to easy wins. He said that the next games would be tougher – especially during in the knockout stage.

“It’s a real honor and to coach such a high powered team,” said Cone. “But we want to make sure that we respect the game, and play right way. No fooling around, we’re not trash talking our opponents.”

The national team takes a break Thursday, and then returns to action on Friday versus Vietnam.

In the history of the regional meet, the Philippines ruled the SEA Games basketball event 17 out of 19 times. The only setback came in 1979 and 1989 both against the Malaysians.

The event was not included in 2005, when the country hosted the SEA Games but the local basketball federation was suspended at that time by FIBA, while in 2009, the lack of facility in Laos forced organizers to drop basketball in the calendar of events.

SBP executive director Sonny Barrios. (Waylon Galvez)

Meantime, Thailand – bronze medalist two years ago in the SEA Games – also hammered a convincing win against SEA Games silver medalist Indonesia 98-76 in Group B action.

Leelapipalkul led the Thais with 18 points, while Tyler Lamb added 16 points and Ananti Chitchai had 14 points.

In the first game, Vietnam’s Tam Dinh Thanh and An Du Minh combined for 46 points to power their team to a 131-52 win over Myanmar. Phu Vinh Nguyen Huynh contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds.

In women’s action, 2017 SEA Games silver medalist Thailand opened its campaign with a 70-47 triumph against defending champion Malaysia. Christine Bias Tiffany led Thailand with 24 points.

The women’s national team will see action Thursday against Indonesia to start it own campaign in this SEA Games.

Rain or Shine’s Beau Belga. (Waylon Galvez)

The Scores:

PHILIPPINES 110 – Rosario 15, Manuel 14, Pringle 14, Wright 13, Fajardo 12, Slaughter 9, Aguilar 9, Standhardinger 8, Lassiter 7, Ravena 6, Tenorio 3, Ross 0.

SINGAPORE 58 – Wei M. K. 10, Kok 8, Qing 8, Zhong 8, Wei L. W. 6, V Lavin 5, Vignesh 4, Lary 3, Isaac 0, Xingyuan 0, Chin 0.

Quarters: 30-13; 48-28; 77-48; 110-58.

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Source: Manila Bulletin

By Betheena Unite 

The Philippines’ Jovelyn Gonzaga hammers one against Vietnam. (Alvin Kasiban)

“Puso” mentality is expected to be in full display when the Philippine women’s volleyball team face 11-time Southeast Asian Games champion Thailand today at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Falling short in their debut against Vietnam, the Filipinas try to bounce back and overcome the most celebrated volleyball team in the region, noting that “nothing is impossible if we put our hearts in the game.”

Said star Alyssa Valdez: “Nakaka-excite talaga (It’s really exciting) but I think, one thing we’ve learned today is that walang imposible kung sino man makakalaban naming.”

“Kung sino ang magbibigay ng buong buong puso sa laban, yun siguro yung mananalo.”

Winning a set against Thailand during the ASEAN Grand Prix was a good sign for the nationals, team captain Aby Maraño said.

A win over Vietnam could have put the Philippines in a better position to achieve their goal of a podium finish but the Nationals couldn’t sustain a strong start in losing a five-setter 21-25, 25-23, 25-19, 20-25, 15-8.

thriller.debut game.

But national team head coach Shaq delos Santos, who admitted that they played inconsistently throughout their last game, opted to focus on each game first before minding the results or podium finish in that matter.

“I think the best that we can do right now is to focus on our next game — Thailand. We will have to think about going up against them first before thinking about the result because once we work on it one at a time, I think we will get a good result. So, we cannot worry about a lot of things at the same time,” Delos Santos said in Filipino.

The Philippine mentor also said they have to work on the consistencies of their offense and defense.

Source: Manila Bulletin

PLDT chief revenue officer and Smart president Al Panlilio, fourth from left, and Philippine Southeast Asian Games Esports Union co-chairman Jane Basas, sixth from right, with members of the Sibol esports national team. (Smart Communities FB page)

By WAYLON GALVEZ

For the first time in history of the biennial meet, the game of esports takes the spotlight when it makes its debut and top Filipino gamers battle the region’s best in the 30th Southeast Asian Games today at The Arena in San Juan.

The national team – known as Sibol – starts its campaign in the six-day competition, which has six categories, team events Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Arena of Valor, as well as individual categories Tekken 7, Star Craft 2 and Hearthstone.

The games will start at 12:15 p.m., and Day 1 will feature qualifying rounds in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Star Craft 2 and Hearthstone until Sunday, while action in Dota 2 and Arena of Valor will be played Monday and Tuesday.

The medal matches in all five events is on Wednesday, the same day Tekken 7 will have its qualifying meet and medal matches.

The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Esports Union (PSEU) selected from a qualifying tournament the best 27 gamers that will take on the challenge from nine other nations.

However, PSEU co-chairman Jane Jimenez Basas said that they expect tough competition from Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia – countries that also have top caliber gamers competing in world championships.

“I think these are the countries that will give our Sibol team a good fight, but our athletes, from the test events we had, they’ve done well and they are all ready and we’re all excited to see them fight for flag and country, and hopefully win the gold,” said Basas.

“Based on the test events, I think Sibol is capable of winning a minimum of sox golds… of course we want to win all six. But minimum I think we can win three, if we surpass that it’s great for Sibol.”

The members of Sibol in their respective events are as follows:

Kenneth Jiane ‘Kenji’ Villa, Karl Gabriel ‘KarlTzy’ Nepomuceno, Jeniel ‘Haze’ Bata-anon, Carlito ‘Ribo’ Ribo, Angelo Kyle ‘Pheww’ Arcangel, Jason Rafael ‘Jay’ Torculas and Allan Sancio ‘Lusty’ Castromayor for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

Mc Nicholson ‘Mc’ Villanueva, John Anthony ‘Natsumi’ Vargas, Marvin Salvador ‘Boomy’ Rushton, Jun ‘Bok’ Kanehara, Bryle Jacob ‘CML’ Alvizo, Van Jerico ‘Van’ Manalaysay and James Erice ‘Erice’ Guerra for Dota 2.

Kevin Kio ‘Gambit’ Dizon, Jeremiah ‘1717’ Camarillo, Lawrence Anthony ‘Rubixx’ Gatmaitan, Jevan Lorenzo ‘Bents’ Delos Santos, Kyle Jepherson ‘Vindiicated’ Padlan, Miguel Klarenz ‘Miggie’ Banaag and Bradie Ryan ‘Yats’ Velasquez for Arena of Valor.

Justin ‘NuksPH’ Santos and Caviar ‘Enderr’ Acampado for Starcraft; Dustin ‘WaningMoon’ Mangulabnanand Jacinta ‘Jia’ Dee for Hearthstone; and Andreij Hosea ‘Doujin’ Albarand Alexandre Gabrielle ‘AK’ Laverez for Tekken 7.

Prior to the SEA Games, the members of Sibol participated in a number of pocket tournaments and test events. The team’s top backer Smart Communications, has put up cash incentives for winners.

Sibol athletes will receive P2 million for every gold medal in the team events in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Arena of Valor and Dota 2, while P1 million will be given to individual events in Tekken 7, Hearthstone and Star Craft 2.

“This is a huge milestone for esports, and it is our greatest honor to support the Filipino gamers as they prove that we have the talent, skill, and drive to dominate this increasingly growing scene,” said Al Panlilio, PLDT Chief Revenue Officer and President of Smart Communications, Inc.

Source: Manila Bulletin