Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 20) – The Philippine beach volleyball teams won the bronze medals in the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Friday at the Tuan Chau Beach.
Both teams from the Philippines duplicated their bronze medal finishes in the previous SEA Games edition three years ago.
The two Philippine beach volleyball squads defeated their respective opponents from host nation Vietnam to achieve another podium finishes.
The men’s team was forced into a golden match before eking out a 2-1 win against the hometown bets.
Jude Garcia and Jaron Requinton notched a close win in the first match against Nhat Ton Long and Nguyen Van Nha, 21-19, 21-19.
The Vietnamese tandem of Nguyen Lam Toi and Trang Quang Vu bounced back in the second match by beating Requinton and Ranran Abdilla, 21-19, 21-18, to force a golden match.
Fortunately for the Philippines, Garcia and Requinton teamed up well back to beat Nguyen and Tran, 21-15, 21-19, and sealed the bronze medal.
Indonesia defeated Thailand for the men’s beach volleyball gold medal.
The Filipina beach spikers were also victorious in their battle for bronze against Vietnamese foes.
Jovelyn Gonzaga and Dij Rodriguez powered their way to a 21-17, 21-16 victory against Truong Duong My Huyen and Nguyen Thi Thanh Tram in the first match.
Then Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons came from behind in their 20-22, 21-18, 15-12 win over Vu Ngoc Lan Nguyen and Nguyen Le Thi Tuong Vy to clinch their second straight bronze medal.
Thailand dominated Indonesia for the women’s beach volleyball gold medal.
