SINGAPORE – The Philippine team fell short in its upset bid, losing to Singapore, 11-7, in the FINA Water Polo Challengers’ Cup Friday night at the OCBC Centre here.
The national team rallied back from a 4-1 deficit in the second period when it scored four goals capped by a shot from Mumar Alamara from a Roy Cañete pass that gave the Philippines a 5-4 advantage.
Singapore, however, countered with three straight goals to take a 7-5 advantage at halftime break.
The last time the national team threatened was when Mcgyver Reyes converted a goal to cut Singapore’s lead to 9-7, but the opposing team added three more goals for the final tally.
The win kept Singapore unbeaten with a 3-0 record, tying Ireland on top of Group A, while the Philippines finished the elimination round with a 2-2 card following wins over Zimbabwe 18-2 and Malaysia 11-8.
Singapore, the 27-time reigning SEA Games champion, and Ireland dispute the Finals spot for Group A Saturday after Austria booked the championship berth in Group B following an 8-6 win against Indonesia also Friday.
National team mentor Rey Galang took the loss in stride, saying the tournament, especially their defeat to the host team, will make them tougher in the 30th Southeast Asian Games which the country is hosting on Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.
“At least we’re able to gauge where we are now in terms of our preparation for the Southeast Asian Games. Of course, Singapore is one of the teams that we’re preparing, as well as Malaysia and Indonesia,” said Galang. (Waylon Galvez)
