Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 8) — The goalless draw between the Philippine Azkals Under 23-squad and defending champion Vietnam was “a big win” for Team Philippines’ campaign in the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Sunday.
Although the Azkals were guarded well by the Vietnamese, the Filipinos were fortunate as the shots by the host team went off the mark, much to the disappointment of the home crowd at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho.
The draw result was a huge boost to the Azkals, as they scored a point against one of the region’s best football teams. The Philippines and Vietnam both have four points in Group A but the Azkals have the edge due to goal difference, 4-3.
“This draw is a big win for us,” Azkals head coach Norman Fegidero said after the game. “They’re really good in attacking and well organized. That’s why, we adjusted our formation just to stop their attack.”
The Azkals will next battle Myanmar on Tuesday at 5 p.m. (Philippine time), hoping to further increase their chances in advancing to the medal round.
Meanwhile, the country’s lone diving bet Ariana Drake was just a spot away from a podium finish after the 17-year-old diver finished fourth in the women’s 1-meter springboard event held at the My Dinh Water Sports Palace.
Drake garnered a total of 207.15 points, behind bronze medalist Phuong Mai Ngo of host country Vietnam who finished with 224 points.
Malaysia won the Vietnam SEA Games’ first gold and silver medals courtesy of winner Nur Dhabitah Sabri with 290.45 points and runner-up Kimberly Qian Ping Bong with 230 points.
The Filipino American diver will be back on the platform on Tuesday as she contends for a medal in the women’s 3-meter springboard event.
Over at the Tuan Chau Resort in Quang Ninh, the Philippine beach handball team bounced back from their loss on Saturday as they swept Singapore, 22-19, 22-16, to solidify their chances for a podium finish.
The Filipinos tasted their first defeat of the competition at the hands of defending champion and host country Vietnam in straight sets on Saturday.
The Philippine beach handball team is currently in second place in the double round-robin tournament with a 2-1 slate. On Monday, they will again face Thailand, whom they scored an upset win in their first game last May 6.
In kickboxing, only Jean Claude Saclag emerged victorious among the four fighters who went up the ring. Saclag pounced on Laos’ Latxasak Souliyavong, 3-0, in the men’s low kick -63.5kg quarterfinal match held at the Bac Ninh Gymnasium.
Kurt Lubrica faltered against Thailand’s Chaiwat Sungnoi, 1-2, in the men’s low kick -54kg quarterfinal. Jomar Balangui failed to beat Cambodia’s Racchan Toch, 1-2, in the men’s full contact -57kg quarterfinal, while Carlos Alvarez was dominated by hometown bet Huong Nguyen The, 0-3, in the men’s full contact -67kg quarterfinal.
