Defending champion Malaysia will try to continue its reign when lawn bowl competition starts today in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at Friendship Gate in Clark, Pampanga. 

But Filipino lawn bowlers are expected to give their Malaysian counterparts a run for their money. 

The locals will be led by Emmanuel Portacio, Leoncio Carreon Jr., Ronald Lising and Robert Curte Guarin, who combined to beat Malaysia for the men’s fours gold, 16-14, in the 2017 edition of the biennial meet.

Malaysian lawn bowler Rusli Soufi will be back to defend his title in the singles event.

Meanwhile, Ronalyn Greenlees, Hazel Jagonoy and Rosita Bradborn will try to improve their silver medal finish in women’s triples in the last SEAG.

Malaysia won seven gold medals and one silver while the Philippines grabbed one gold, three silvers and two bronze medals two years ago in Kuala Lumpur. 

Other members of the squad are Angelo Morales and Rodel Labayo (men’s pairs), Christopher Dagpinm, Homer Mercado and Elmer Abatayo (men’s triples), and Ainie Knight, Asuncion Bruce and Nancy Toyco (triples).

Bradbord, Jagonoy, Marisa Baronda and Sharon Hauters will banner the country’s campaign in women’s fours event while Greelees and Nenita Tabiano will play in the women’s pairs.PR