By JAN CARLO ANOLIN
The Philippine team tries to make most out of its homefield advantage when it faces Malaysia today in polo’s 0-2 goals division in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Miguel Romero Polo Field in Calatagan, Batangas.
0-2 goals action was initially scheduled yesterday but officials decided to postpone it for today for safety measures due to the threat brought about by typhoon “Tisoy.”
If the sun shines and the field is playable, Brunei and Indonesia kicks off at 11 a.m. while the Nationals battle Malaysia later at 1 p.m.
“They (Philippines) have been practicing at the field longer than anybody so it will factor in their game. They know in and out of the field,” a tournament official said, also a polo enthusiast.
But the same official said it will be everyone’s ball game due to handicaps.
That makes today’s matches more interesting.
Team captain and veteran polo player Antonio Veloso banner the Philippines alongside Noel Vecinal, Jam Eusebio, Nicole Eusebio, Stefano Juban and Rep. Mikee Romero.
18-year-old Keith Teh and 50-year-old Mohamad Zekri Ibrahim will be spearheading the Malaysian squad while Prince Jeffri, 65, and Prince Qawi will lead Brunei, who brought horses of their own.
Meanwhile, Indonesia will lean on Billy Lumingtang and Acep Krisnandar.