- SEAG-Sepak
SUBIC –Reigning champion Thailand and silver medalist Myanmar stil loom as the favorites but host Philippines assured its readiness to make a serious run when the highly-anticipated sepak takraw competition of the 30th Southeast Asian Games kicks off today here at the Subic Gymnasium.
Thailand (6-1-0) and Myanmar (4-2-1) came out of top two years ago in Kuala Lumpur games with the host Malaysia (2-3-6) completing the podium.
But that placing might change this time as the Filipinos ar bent on pulling out all the stops with the help of a roaring homecourt advantage as well as the luxury of having the largest delegates.
As the host, the Philippines enjoys the right to compete in all six events while the top bets Thailand and Myanmar with Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam could only field athletes in three events (two in the men’s and one in the women’s).
Aside from aspiring for its first gold medal in the regional conclave, the Filipinos have also set their sights in copping at least three gold mints to help the country in its bid to claim the overall championship for the first time since 2005.
Spearheading the charge for the Philippines are seasoned players Jason Huerte, Reyjay Ortuste and Ronsted Cabayeron who won a silver medal in men’s regu event of the 2017 SEAG with Mary Ann Lopez, Jean Marie Sucalit and Lheill Lhaina Mangubat of the women’s team.
The sepak takraw competition will start with the men’s hoop event today beginning at 9 a.m. at the Subic Gym which was hailed by International Sepaktakraw Federation Inc. director general Abdul Kader as the best sepak takraw venue in SEAG history.
Meanwhile, the centrepiece regu event and team double’s event for both and men and women's division unfurl starting tomorrow until Dec. 10 for a total of six gold medals at stake. PR
