By Waylon Galvez
Games Today
Water Polo
(New Clark City, Tarlac)
10 a.m. – Thailand vs Philippines (Women’s)
5 p.m. – Indonesia vs Singapore (Men’s)
7 p.m. – Thailand vs Philippines (Men’s)
Polo
(E. Zobel Polo Field)
1 p.m. – Philippine vs Indonesia
3 p.m. –Brunei vs Malaysia
THE Philippine water polo team guns for its first win when it tangles with Thailand in the 30th Southeast Asian Games today at the Aquatic Center of the New Clark City in Tarlac.
In its opening game, the Philippines salvaged a 6-6 draw against Indonesia last Tuesday, which gave the two teams one point each.
Paolo Serrano delivered the tying goal with a penalty shot in the final moments of the match.
Coach Rey Galang said the win against Indonesia showed the readiness of players, particularly on the defensive end that was best typified by the shot blocking abilities of longtime goalie Tani Gomez.
“We’re happy with the way the players performed, especially on defense,” said Galang. “The players were able to adjust quickly on defense because we know what Indonesia will do (offensively).”
However, while defense wasn’t a problem, Galang said the team must improve offensively after missing several attempts at the goal especially in the final stretch of the game that should have given the Philippines a crucial victory against Indonesia – silver medalist in the last SEA Games.
Against the Thais – fifth place in the biennial meet two years ago – Galang said overall play must be improved.
“Maganda na yung defense ng team, dapat ma-sustain against Thailand. Pero magiging focus din namin is offensive pattern to give us better scoring opportunities versus Thailand,” he said.
Over at the Calatagan polo field, the Philippines seeks a crucial win against Indonesia in the 4-6 goals at 1 p.m.
Clashing in the other game at 3 p.m. are defending champion Malaysia and Brunei with the former out to avenge their 8.5-5 defeat to the Nationals last Tuesday.
The Nationals, who lost to Brunei 8.5-8 in the opener, need to beat Indonesia to stay in gold medal hunt.
Brunei leads the team standings with a perfect 2-0 while the Nationals and Malaysians tote similar 1-1 cards.
The four-country tournament will hold its finals on Dec. 1, a day after the official opening ceremony at the massive Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Meanwhile, the Philippine women’s football team secured a scoreless draw against Myanmar at the Binan Football Stadium in Laguna.
Myanmar clobbered the PH footballers – known as Malditas – in the Kuala Lumpur Games two years ago.
