AFTER falling short in the previous Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine women’s basketball team is positive of finally capturing the elusive gold medal in the 30th edition of the biennial event.
SEA Games 3×3 and basketball competition manager Bernie Atienza said that the women’s team is now ripe to capture a gold medal despite facing perennial contenders Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
“I’m wishing for it and it is my prayer always to win the gold. We’ve been frustrated many times especially in the last two SEA Games by Indonesia,” said the deputy executive director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
“This time around we’re ready and I’m hoping that we finally win it because we have the readiness and strength as per my assessment. We will win it this time,” added Atienza.
The Philippine women’s basketball team is to be led by Jack Animam, Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos and Claire Castro. Serving as head coach is National University Lady Bulldogs mentor Patrick Aquino.
Also part of the team are Kelli Hayes, France Mae Cabinbin, Danica Jose, Ana Alicia Castillo, Ria Joy Nabalan, Marizza Tongco and Eunique Chan. Gemma Miranda was also lined up but could not play due to an ACL injury.
“The women’s field has been reduced to just four teams, making it a four-way battle among the contenders,” said Atienza. “Those which doesn’t feel they have a chance (of competing), didn’t field in an entry anymore.”
The women’s basketball team opens its campaign on Dec. 5 against Indonesia, followed by Malaysia on Dec. 8, and finally Thailand on Dec. 10. The competition is a one-round battle, with the team that has the best record emerging as the gold medal winner.
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The Philippine wushu team is positive it can deliver a good performance in the 30th Southeast Asian Games wushu event at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) from Dec. 1 to 3.
Agatha Wong, the reigning SEA Games champion in taolu event, is positive on retaining her gold medal following the national team’s intense training in China.
“China has the resources that no one else does. We improved a lot during our training there,” Wong said. “When we compete, we always give our best. We always assure ourselves of that. In this SEA Games, we will give our best.”
Aside from Wong, the Philippine wushu team is to be led by two-time SEA Games gold medalist Daniel Parantac, Jessie Aligaga, Arnel Mandal, Carlos Baylon Jr., Francisco Solis, Clemente Tabugara Jr., Divine Wally, and Jenifer Kilapio in sanda; and Thornton Sayan, Jones Inso and Johnzenth Gajo in taolu.
Wushu competitions in the SEA Games offer 16 gold medals in sanda and taolu events./PN
